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

Analysts spent an unusual amount of time over the following week continuing to dissect the report. —Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025

What’s different about Jeff Buckley may be the key to unlocking the mystery of his enduring appeal: None of those other artists left as little evidence behind of their genius for people to dissect. —Tony Gervino, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025

La La Land has been debated, dissected, mocked, and scorned, but the film’s many critics haven’t really complained about Stone. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 23 July 2025

Another season of Apple TV+’s The Buccaneers has come to a close with many cliffhangers and loose threads to dissect. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025