as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type
we shouldn't compartmentalize the students into such restrictive categories as scholar and athlete, which are not mutually exclusive
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Recent Examples of compartmentalize
Privacy policies and technical controls should work in tandem to redact, compartmentalize and safeguard all customer data.
—
Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This was a clear signal that Russia’s attempts to compartmentalize the Ukrainian war and to normalize ties in other areas had failed.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
With that, the trio of Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas come swaggering and smiling from the wings, strolling to the tip of a catwalk together, the professional differences that splintered their brotherly union for a spell neatly compartmentalized for 2 ½-hours of polished pop digested by adoring fans.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Use separate emails for different purposes One smart way to limit scam exposure is by compartmentalizing your digital life.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compartmentalize
Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This was a clear signal that Russia’s attempts to compartmentalize the Ukrainian war and to normalize ties in other areas had failed.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
With that, the trio of Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas come swaggering and smiling from the wings, strolling to the tip of a catwalk together, the professional differences that splintered their brotherly union for a spell neatly compartmentalized for 2 ½-hours of polished pop digested by adoring fans.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Use separate emails for different purposes One smart way to limit scam exposure is by compartmentalizing your digital life.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compartmentalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compartmentalize
Verb
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The department classifies Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under its highest Level 4 advisory, warning Americans about issues of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and more.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Those only include what the police classify as murders or non-negligent manslaughter.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Joseph’s most recent work in Denver, however, happens to be some of the most impressive as the unit ranked second in total defense, third in scoring and in the top-ten against both the run and pass.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The top three were ranked good, better, and best after the coach's signature catchphrase.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Thus far, Arsenal’s excellent form has relegated the injuries to a subplot.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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And that feeling of attachment, as Friedman sees it, is not relegated to vintage.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Tarr's reputation for films tinged with misery and hard-heartedness, distinguished by black-and-white cinematography and unusually long sequences, only grew throughout the 1990s and 2000s, particularly after his 1994 film Sátántangó.—
Alina Edwards,
NPR,
6 Jan. 2026
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Hofman's photos of the Ross seal — often distinguished by its broad, dark stripes on its body and neck, as well as its large eyes — show the seal facing the camera directly, with its flippers and tail trailing behind it.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The United States justified its attack on Caracas by categorizing it as a law enforcement operation against Maduro.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
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In a matter of days, the basement of a local gym was transformed into a free store, with donations categorized by volunteers.—
Elle McLogan,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compartmentalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compartmentalize. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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