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

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

As the policy failures leading up to 9/11 were dissected, a key flaw was the lack of communication and cooperation between the FBI and the CIA. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025

Give folks a taste of a team capable of dissecting a top defense, all systems go, for a type of tantalizing 27-21 victory. —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025

The rest of the concerns are brought up and dissected in painstaking detail by Observer reporters Mike Kaye and Alex Zietlow in the latest podcast episode of Processing Blue. —Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025