divide 1 of 2

1
2
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point The group divided based on those who wanted to go swimming and those who didn't.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to polarize
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups Opinions about the war divided people who are otherwise likeminded.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divide

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divide are divorce, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

In what contexts can divorce take the place of divide?

The words divorce and divide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When can part be used instead of divide?

While in some cases nearly identical to divide, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When would separate be a good substitute for divide?

In some situations, the words separate and divide are roughly equivalent. However, separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing.

separated her personal life from her career

When might sever be a better fit than divide?

The words sever and divide can be used in similar contexts, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

When is sunder a more appropriate choice than divide?

While the synonyms sunder and divide are close in meaning, sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of divide
Verb
That the two sides of the political divide would see him so differently only seems logical. Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025 Part of the reason why this social media phenomenon has resonated with so many may have to do with the growing divide between young men and women. Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
The group of patients (373 women and 393 men, average age 55) were divided into three groups to receive one of three eye drop formulations. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 On the heels of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, an event that has seemed to divide many people on the issues of free speech and gun violence, Homayounvash asked panelists to reflect on who or what is to blame for the current divisiveness in the world today. Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide
Verb
  • Notably, the offer was split, with one direction centering on soft tailoring, with modal and other fluid fabrics shown for blazers and trousers.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The English-language movie boasts one of Henry Golding’s finest performances, some critics said, though the final results split reviewers.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Two dachshund siblings who were separated for two weeks after one underwent surgery have melted the hearts of viewers online after a viral TikTok clip showed their emotional reunion, drawing tears from dog lovers around the world.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • As much as Jones has tried to downplay it, the relationship between him and Parsons was a notable factor in the sides’ separating.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The dispute affected educators and policymakers statewide — but Pendleton managed to take the best of both literacy methods and apply them to the 130,000-plus students then enrolled in San Diego schools, Lopez said.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And with the network television settlements, the payouts arose after personal legal disputes.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, the companies have bickered about the rise of streaming services, in which the media companies are investing billions of dollars and which lure away cable and satellite customers.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
  • As a blaring techno beat rises in the background, the two passionately go at it.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • City records point toward demolition City records, however, show that the company filed for and, on Tuesday, received a permit to disconnect the city water line, often a precursor to demolition.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her hair was styled in voluminous waves parted to the side.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • And just like that, they are parted again.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rocks have tiny fissures into which water can seep; when the temperature drops, the water expands into ice, exerting pressure and widening the cracks.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The fissure became apparent in 2020, when Rowling penned an infamous essay detailing her concerns about trans activism and what the author says is its conflict with women’s rights.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Yet even something that’s 60% peak Kelce or peak Gronk would be better than what Nix has seen through three games.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
  • New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park reaches its peak color in late October with shades of orange, red, and yellow blending into a rich fall tapestry.
    Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

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