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 Looking inward In addition to focusing on external forces and outside competitive analysis, Centric also has tools for companies to look inward and analyze their own operations, something especially important for omnichannel retailers cross-channel in uncertain times. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025 Cities like Los Angeles and Memphis continue using predictive policing AI to analyze crime patterns and allocate resources. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025 But the tools used to collect and analyze that data today, including the AI cameras at Sam’s Club, have become more sophisticated. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 These also appear in the natural world in areas like biology, where they are employed to analyze possible folding patterns of RNA molecules. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for analyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze
Verb
  • Melly dissected the song in a 2018 video with Genius, a media outlet that posts song lyrics and frequently interviews artists about the meaning of their music.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • There’s purpose in that focus, but there’s also vulnerability in choosing to show up pregnant, powerful and unapologetically herself, knowing the world will try to dissect it.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • Also, take some time to examine the perimeter of your yard to ensure any gates and fences are secure and don’t have any gaps through which your pup can easily escape.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The other top challenge for companies is light, which includes examining the lights' color-rendering index and prioritizing low flickering and warm colors.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer, said executive branch employees who don’t have nonpublic information and want to trade stock should consult with ethics officials before doing so, thereby allowing an independent third party to assess their actions.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 May 2025
  • Unlike mutual funds, private equity offers little transparency, and retail investors may struggle to assess true value.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The National Transportation Safety Bureau is investigating the crash.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 May 2025
  • Police are still investigating the motive behind the crime.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Improve access and quality of pre- and post-natal support, maternal care and child healthcare – Effective leaders evaluate their benefits to ensure employees and their dependents have access to quality care and do not face unreasonable costs.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • To evaluate Creative Gate’s appeal to other partners, including potential co-financiers, a team from the Festival has attended a startup incubation program at the Baltics’ largest science park, Tehnopol, in eastern Estonia.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • So when Andreini was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2013, Arneson was devastated.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • In fact, research shows that people of color have a harder time getting correctly diagnosed with or sufficiently treated for eczema than white individuals.
    Lynya Floyd, Allure, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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