1
a
: at a little distance
tried to keep apart from the family squabbles
b
: away from one another in space or time
towns 20 miles apart
2
a
: as a separate unit : independently
Viewed apart, his arguments were unsound.
b
: so as to separate one from another
I found it hard to tell the twins apart.
3
: excluded from consideration : aside
A few blemishes apart, the novel is excellent.
4
: in or into two or more parts : to pieces
coming apart at the seams
see also take apart
Examples of apart in a Sentence
Adverb
He stood with his feet planted far apart.
He stood apart while the other members of the team celebrated.
Their children were born two years apart.
My wife and I are unhappy when we're apart.
They separated and have been living apart for the past year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
When planting time arrives, cut the cardboard cartons apart and plant them right along with your seedlings.
7.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
In the clip, two workers in high visibility vests appeared to use hammers and chisels to break apart stone blocks on the pyramid.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apart
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Adverb
Even some of the country’s most storied and historic venues were falling apart.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
When planting time arrives, cut the cardboard cartons apart and plant them right along with your seedlings.
7.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Adjective
People are going around scavenging from construction sites and breaking apart wood pallets from ships that deliver food.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
In the clip, two workers in high visibility vests appeared to use hammers and chisels to break apart stone blocks on the pyramid.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apart
Cite this Entry
“Apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apart. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apart
1 of 2 adverb1
: away from each other
five miles apart
2
: as something separate
viewed apart from the other
3
: in or into two or more parts
took the clock apart
4
: one from another
can't tell the twins apart
apart
2 of 2 adjective
: separate from others
in a place apart
apartness
noun
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