bifurcation

noun

ˌbī-(ˌ)fər-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce bifurcation (audio)
Definition of bifurcationnext
1
as in divergence
a movement in different directions away from a common point a thoughtful book about the nation's bifurcation into two distinct and antagonistic cultures

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in split
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces a divisive issue that caused the bifurcation of the political party

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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 bifurcation Where does this bifurcation leave lifestyle influencers who have built businesses by being aspirational and brand-safe? — Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026 The option of professional golfers playing a different ball from the casual golfer (bifurcation is the technical term) is back on the table, among other possibilities. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Beijing’s decision reinforces the bifurcation of global technology development as US-China tension heats up, and underscores the increasingly challenging environment for cross-border investments in critical sectors such as AI and semiconductors. — John Liu, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2026 People will endure a lot of indignity to avoid being left behind without VC money when the great bifurcation takes place. — Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bifurcation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bifurcation
  1. divergence
  2. split
  3. dissolution
  4. division
  5. breakup
  6. partition
  7. separation
  8. schism
Noun
  • The divergence comes as investors grapple with a more hawkish Federal Reserve, persistent inflation and a sharp rise in Treasury yields — fueling concerns that higher borrowing costs could weigh on lending and economic growth.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This divergence reflects both short-term irregularities in how fast Earth rotates, and a very gradual, long-term slowdown of Earth’s rotation, caused primarily by the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans.
    — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • Chris Brady finished with four saves for Chicago in a split of the season series.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a split in the models about where Isaias could come ashore.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • Spears detailed the dissolution of her relationship with Timberlake in her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Amuom said the dissolution had contributed to the insecurity by leaving key local government posts vacant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissolution
Noun
  • In response, the division changed its policies to give non-political career staff a leading role in hiring.
    — Ryan Lucas, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The game between the 9th and 11th-placed teams in the 16-team Allsvenskan division is a rarity in Europe’s top-tier leagues.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of division
Noun
  • Many are navigating divorce, illness, breakups, or a reconsideration of their religious beliefs.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The film follows Amy (O’Flynn), who, after a bitter breakup, moves in with her best friend, Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson).
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of breakup
Noun
  • Even Doom‘s famous binary-space partition trees can be broken down into SQL using a sort_key for objects that’s pre-computed for each position at load time.
    — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Upon decampment, the drowsy drinker is met with one final chance to imbibe, at the outside window, its sliding partition reminiscent of a Mister Softee’s.
    — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of partition
Noun
  • The goal is to manufacture large-area membranes that can perform highly selective separations under practical operating conditions.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
  • As Burberry’s fortunes improved, GUS began divesting the company, floating a minority stake on the London Stock Exchange in 2002 and completing its separation from Burberry in 2005.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of separation
Noun
  • This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The book follows this story for the critical eight years between 1527 and 1535, which led to the enduring schism that created the Church of England.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of schism

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bifurcating
bifurcation
bifurcations
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Cite this Entry

“Bifurcation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bifurcation. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bifurcation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bifurcation

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