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 Critics dissected everything from her hair color to the type of Birkin bag the actress was holding in the shots. Meredith Kile, People.com, 19 June 2025 The series, which used science and data to dissect the inner workings of athletes and their sports, was nominated for several Sports Emmys, winning in 2008 for Outstanding Graphic Design and in 2009 for Outstanding New Approaches Sports Programming and repeating for Graphic Design. Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 2 June 2025 Her every move and fashion choice was dissected ad nauseum. Marc Malkin, Variety, 19 June 2025 However, some families may need to further dissect some of the more complex themes with kids afterwards. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dissect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissect
Verb
  • The other new offering is a finance agent that automatically analyzes KPIs and performs planning functions for different scenarios.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Those videos can also serve the interests of science, as evidenced by the international team of researchers who analyzed 408 publicly available videos of sleeping cats to study whether the kitties showed any preference for sleeping on their right or left sides.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Gi-hun examines Jun-hee’s swollen ankle, which seems impossible to jump on.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The Congress must thoroughly examine this decision by the Supreme Court to find ways to legislate and protect the Constitutional right to citizenship for all those born in America.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissect. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dissect

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