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

After the flies had died, the team dissected their brains and analyzed each of their individual cells, searching for the areas affected by arsenic. —Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Yet as the team's backups played during preseason exhibitions for the past three weeks, and as the NFL's deadline to trim rosters to 53 players arrived Tuesday, the Browns' decision on one position in particular was constantly dissected. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025

As the team prepares for Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline, Canales, the team’s second-year head coach, and Morgan, the team’s second-year general manager, will need to dissect their 91-man roster as well as the depth charts of the 31 other teams in the league. —Mike Kaye august 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025

The reason being HoverAir can't guarantee waterproofing if users are dissecting their drones. —Joe Salas august 21, New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2025