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divide

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divide are divorce, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

In what contexts can divorce take the place of divide?

The words divorce and divide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When can part be used instead of divide?

While in some cases nearly identical to divide, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When would separate be a good substitute for divide?

In some situations, the words separate and divide are roughly equivalent. However, separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing.

separated her personal life from her career

When might sever be a better fit than divide?

The words sever and divide can be used in similar contexts, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

When is sunder a more appropriate choice than divide?

While the synonyms sunder and divide are close in meaning, sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

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 divide
Verb
The issue of getting more involved in the conflict has divided Trump's MAGA base, with some pointing to his campaign promise to keep America out of foreign wars. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 18 June 2025 How to wear capri pants well is a style conundrum that has long divided the fashion world. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 June 2025
Noun
The pitcher's dominance this season has prompted a lawsuit by three anonymous opposing players amid a national divide over the legality of trans athletes in girls' sports. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025 The latter is how the county can glean the partisan divide in its vote-by-mail program as voters must request either a Democratic or Republican primary ballot. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for divide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide
Verb
  • The parents tried to compromise, suggesting the in-laws split their visit between the two families.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • That allowed Igor Jesus to put Botafogo in front to stay shortly before the intermission, splitting a pair of PSG defenders to run on to Jefferson Savarino’s perfectly weighted through ball, then beating keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from the top of the box.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Venice is made up of 118 islands separated by canals and connected by more than 400 bridges.
    Shayla Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025
  • The twin prime conjecture states that there are infinitely many twin primes—prime numbers that are separated by a value of two.
    Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The simmering dispute comes as protesters showed up at Dodger Stadium on Thursday to decry Dodgers’ silence amidst immigration raids and unrest in Los Angeles.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • News to Know Wisconsin lawsuit accuses Miami of tampering In the latest legal dispute amid the changing landscape of college sports, the University of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami yesterday for allegedly tampering with a football player.
    and Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Swiss consumer prices fell in May for the first time in over four years, which gave rise to some forecasts of negative interest rates in the upcoming policy meeting.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 June 2025
  • Second, the rise of consumer health consciousness has created a more engaged public.
    Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • As highlighted in the report, empathetic managers reduce uncertainty stress by 37% and disconnect by nearly 50%.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Part two is almost contradictory to part one’s idea.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • Lily-Rose Depp Lily-Rose Depp added a touch of attitude to her overall look at the 97th annual Oscars, parting her hair on the right side of her face.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The holiday came amid a rift distancing the King, 76, from his younger son, the Duke of Sussex, in a fissure that won't seem to heal.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 15 June 2025
  • The fissures are there for anyone who dares see them.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • In a statement, the department said that the tornado had peak winds of 105 mph that ravaged through many structures and trees.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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