Synonyms of dissect

dissect

verb

dī-ˈsekt 

as in to analyze

to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships

let's dissect the plot of this thriller to see what makes it thrilling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• analyze
• examine
• assess
• investigate
• diagnose
• evaluate
• cut
• deconstruct
• divide
• anatomize
• inspect
• scrutinize
• assay
• break down
• classify
• categorize
• tabulate
• codify
• subdivide
• arrange
• enumerate
• catalog
• index
• reduce
• order
• sort
• segment
• separate
• schematize
• catalogue
• diagram
• assort

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• integrate
• synthesize
• consolidate
• aggregate
• assimilate
• unify
• coalesce
• conglomerate
• amalgamate
• agglomerate

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

Recent Examples of dissect

From TikTok clips to Instagram reels and YouTube, fans are dissecting every romantic entanglement in the show. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

The teen soap is everywhere, dissected on social media, played on the screens of sports bars during weekly watch parties, and discussed in unexpected places from NFL practices to movie premiere red carpets. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025

The furor surrounding her controversial American Eagle ad may have died down, but the actor’s every public appearance — on red carpets or otherwise — continues to be dissected by tabloids and social media alike. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025

The films are succinctly dissected, too. —Michael Taube, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025