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 Astronomers analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered a population of tiny, energetic galaxies that may have been key players in clearing the cosmic fog that shrouded the universe after the Big Bang. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025 The nation outpaced other countries in wealth growth during 2024, with more than 379,000 people becoming U.S. dollar millionaires for the first time, according to UBS' annual Global Wealth Report, which analyzed individual wealth across 56 markets. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 18 June 2025 Sometimes, only a small portion of a research project involves analyzing how research affects a specific demographic, experts said, but this has been enough for the Trump administration to flag the grant as DEI. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 18 June 2025 By analyzing isotopes in the spiders’ tissues, the scientists determined the bacteria weren’t just hitching a ride from an eight-legged friend — they were also being eaten. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for analyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze
Verb
  • Her every move and fashion choice was dissected ad nauseum.
    Marc Malkin, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • However, some families may need to further dissect some of the more complex themes with kids afterwards.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Gi-hun examines Jun-hee’s swollen ankle, which seems impossible to jump on.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The Congress must thoroughly examine this decision by the Supreme Court to find ways to legislate and protect the Constitutional right to citizenship for all those born in America.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), aka the Front Man, joined the games himself, posing as another desperate stranger in order to better assess Gi-hun’s righteous crusade.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
  • In an email, a spokesperson for Fix the City said the group was assessing the landscape and its options.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The national police Anti-Cybercrime Group is currently investigating another deepfake of Marcos promoting an online trading platform.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 28 June 2025
  • So Almonte, 23, who also needed to see a doctor, investigated her employer's health offerings.
    Renuka Rayasam, NPR, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ...
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
  • Over a period of four weeks, our testers evaluated each swimsuit on fit, comfort, quality, performance, coverage, and value.
    Esme Benjamin, People.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The gift was made in memory of Conte’s father, Pierre Conte, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his 70s and passed away in 2017, and underscores Conte’s strategic approach to philanthropy.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • During the second emergency room visit, V.T. was diagnosed with CHS. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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