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 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 See All Example Sentences for dissect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissect
Verb
  • The research consortium has data from tissue samples that represents a resource the field has never had—and that is yet to be fully analyzed.
    Atul Gawande, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • His internet history was equally troubling, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which analyzed screenshots of his gaming accounts that contained Nazi and Hitler references.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One significant section of the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study will examine the best long-term solutions to the saltwater intrusion phenomenon.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With information about each respondent, researchers can examine in more detail the sources and causes of these changes.
    William Dunkelberg, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissect. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dissect

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