dissect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dissect distinct from other similar verbs?

The words analyze and break down are common synonyms of dissect. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

When might analyze be a better fit than dissect?

The words analyze and dissect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can break down be used instead of dissect?

The meanings of break down and dissect largely overlap; however, break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

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 dissect In the interview below, Luna dissects Tommy’s complex emotional state in Episode 3 as he’s pulled in multiple directions from Ellie, his town, his family and his own needs. Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025 The justices appeared to disagree, dissecting Brannen’s book across more than two hours of arguments. Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 26 Apr. 2025 Tamara remembered her mom bringing her to campus for a biology class on a day that the students were dissecting fetal pigs. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2025 It’s cut and dissected into very small thin pieces. Danielle Pergament, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dissect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissect
Verb
  • By continuously observing and analyzing these data, these systems generate personalized interventions designed to help users manage times of mental strain.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The Phillies, like most teams, have high-speed cameras that can help a pitcher analyze finger placement.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The study also examined the likelihood of atypical handedness in clinical populations, or groups of people diagnosed with a specific set of health conditions compared to a control population.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Pluto stationed retrograde on the same day, shaking things up in your immediate environment, forcing you to examine your communication style and perspective, as you could be stuck in old patterns of thinking.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissect. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dissect

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