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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 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 Competition and bifurcation Still, Anjala and Wouters cautioned that the rebound isn't necessarily broad-based. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 16 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 study found a similar divergence in opinions among working-class Latino voters.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The potential divergence among these three major central banks at this single juncture underscores the complexity of the current global financial environment.
    — , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • If the split area doesn’t show signs of spoilage, give the banana a sniff.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Everything in the show just runs out of creativity and energy, even giving up the flourishes that fueled the first half of the season, like an often-clever use of split-screens to wordlessly develop characters and build tension.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • Standard assays for measuring plastic breakdown are exceptionally slow because solid PET plastic resists dissolution, stretching testing timelines across several days.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Although the establishment of the broad pro-democracy bloc that set aside other disagreements was a necessary response to a political crisis, its eventual dissolution will also probably be a sign of civic health.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of dissolution
Noun
  • The rematch gave the champion the opportunity to prove himself in a complete fight against the division’s former standard-bearer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Back at the Benz The Falcons open the home schedule with Sunday’s matchup against the division rival Panthers.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of division
Noun
  • But Lester came up with a massive pass breakup on fourth-and-goal against the Red Wolves.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Evan Sorkness made key defensive plays in the win, including two pass breakups.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of breakup
Noun
  • Construction includes new interior partitions, walls, floors, ceiling finishes, lighting and electrical systems.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • His daughters will be allowed to testify behind a partition over the strong objections of their father and his defense team, who wanted the girls to testify in open court.
    — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of partition
Noun
  • There is no clean separation of their linguistic and reasoning abilities.
    — George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That separation helps explain how uncertain the market remains — even to veteran coaches.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of separation
Noun
  • 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
  • But schisms and heel digging are probably inevitable in such uncertain fields, Catling says.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of schism

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Cite this Entry

“Bifurcation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bifurcation. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bifurcation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bifurcation

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