cleavages

noun

plural of cleavage
as in splits
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the cleavages of an egg as an embryo develops

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cleavages The cartoonist and journalist Joe Sacco has made a career of rescuing history from the cleavages of memory. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025 Intelligence agencies in the United States and other Western countries closely follow these cleavages, of course, and can sometimes recruit the disaffected or the ambitious to provide insider information. — Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleavages
  1. splits
  2. divisions
  3. dissolutions
  4. partitions
  5. breakups
  6. schisms
  7. separations
Noun
  • How do Kenzie’s mom and dad feel about her emotive splits-ing, for instance?
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • Amanda Anisimova, alongside many others like Aryna Sabalenka, wore classic NikeCourt dresses with side splits.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of splits
Noun
  • Russia has used troll farms, fake social-media personas, and hacked materials to inflame political divisions in the United States, most notably during the 2016 campaign.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 14 July 2026
  • Market volatility often benefits trading divisions on Wall Street, but unlike in past bouts of turbulence, the IPO environment is also hot.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of divisions
Noun
  • The trailer teased screaming matches, tears, accusations of betrayal and clear dissolutions of multiple relationships — both romantic and platonic.
    — Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 27 May 2026
  • There could be more dissolutions and consolidations in the future.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Definition of dissolutions
Noun
  • Two further partitions followed in 1793 and 1795, and Poland would not return as an independent state until after World War I, at about one-third of its size before partition.
    — David Armitage, Washington Post, 26 June 2026
  • The architect replaced rigid partitions with a curtain system to separate the bedroom, which then benefited from better airflow and light.
    — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2026
Definition of partitions
Noun
  • The 6-foot, 227-pound Robinson (50 tackles, three pass breakups, four hurries) is active, dependable and rarely out of position.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • However, Marshall, who contributed 23 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups last season, would have to become a starter or rotational player for that to happen.
    — Omar Kelly July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Definition of breakups
Noun
  • As the country heads toward a national election, the leader once celebrated as a healer is now viewed by critics as the main driver of these schisms.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
  • Given the schisms, some in the GOP believe only a single party-line bill may end up passing before November.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of schisms
Noun
  • Layoffs could follow if the company doesn't meet the target for voluntary separations, Bloomberg reported.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 15 June 2026
  • Workspaces and environments enforce these separations.
    — Bernard Aceituno, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Definition of separations

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Cite this Entry

“Cleavages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleavages. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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