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

Sam Lee dissects the key talking points from a wildly entertaining game at the Eithad… A vintage performance from De Bruyne? —Sam Lee, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

And instead of being handled in back rooms or behind-the-scenes negotiations, the drama ended splashed across social media, dissected in real time by strangers with ring lights and Twitter handles. —Remy Blumenfeld, HollywoodReporter, 5 Apr. 2025

Lots of people far more politically savvy than me will spend the next few weeks dissecting this election. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Preachers are demoralized, decreed, distracted, and dissected. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025