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
Kerry Brown, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
Stand about shoulder-width apart on the flat surface and slowly lower your body down into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly lower.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025
Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
To bring families who are apart and heal them.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apart
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Adverb
There are still many ways the trade truce can fall apart.
—Kerry Brown, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
Stand about shoulder-width apart on the flat surface and slowly lower your body down into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly lower.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
His pho stands out with its beefy broth, layered with smoke from the charred aromatics and fall-apart brisket.
—Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
To bring families who are apart and heal them.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 12 Aug. 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 3 Nov. 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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