Synonym Chooser

How is the word analyze distinct from other similar verbs?

The words break down and dissect are common synonyms of analyze. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

In what contexts can break down take the place of analyze?

The meanings of break down and analyze largely overlap; however, break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

When is it sensible to use dissect instead of analyze?

In some situations, the words dissect and analyze are roughly equivalent. However, dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

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 analyze Rausch said police will analyze the guns to determine if they were used in the homicides. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025 In a 300-plus page final report released today, the US Coast Guard analyzed the 2023 Titan sub implosion from every conceivable angle and came to a clear conclusion: OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush was a dangerous and deeply unpleasant boss. Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2025 In this latest analysis, researchers analyzed data from more than 20,000 adults across seven different studies in England and Wales. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 Schafer and Ferraro analyzed data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, which was carried out in two waves, with respondents surveyed in 1995–1996 and again in 2005. Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for analyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze
Verb
  • Another season of Apple TV+’s The Buccaneers has come to a close with many cliffhangers and loose threads to dissect.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025
  • As investors dissect the offering (and as Figma’s stock settles back a bit, falling 27% on Monday), an equally important set of questions are in the air: Will Figma’s debut entice other startups to jump into the fray, bringing an end to the tech industry’s IPO drought?
    Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This would allow the team to examine offset sediment layers and date past quakes, providing a clearer picture of the fault's recurrence rate.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Last year, the FAA's leadership under the Biden administration established a committee to examine the shortcomings of Part 450.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ahead of the slate selection, the WFP held regular meetings with mayoral candidates, presenting data, building trust, and assessing commitment to collaboration.
    Theo Oshiro, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Investors are gearing up for more inflation data to assess the state of the U.S. economy.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.
    Enquirer staff, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Our office is investigating the City's practices in reducing harm and liability payouts.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • However, in a report evaluating last winter's forecasts, the almanac reported an overall accuracy rate of 64% for the season.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Accolades from state, national and international bar associations, as well as affinity bar groups and other stakeholders and organizations were also evaluated.
    Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, Rogers' representative confirmed to Fox News Digital that the actor had been diagnosed with cancer.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The legendary actor retired after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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