DIVIDABLE Synonyms: 200 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

divide 1 of 2

verb

də-ˈvīd

Definition of divide

as in to split

to set or force apart Volunteers divided the donated groceries into several dozen piles.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to separate

to go or move in different directions from a central point The group divided based on those who wanted to go swimming and those who didn't.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to polarize

to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups Opinions about the war divided people who are otherwise likeminded.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divide

2 of 2

noun

as in dispute

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in rise

Related Words

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 rest will be divided among things like financial aid, academic programs, and technology and infrastructure, officials said. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The holding pens are divided into smaller units, used as offices, studios, cafes, clubs and restaurants. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

To roll out these commercial units quickly during the 2030s, the developer relies on an architectural divide. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 Despite the deep divide on governance, and disagreements on governance in Bangladesh, the 300-signatory milestone demonstrates that international brands remain committed to the Accord’s core principle. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide

Verb

The airport’s revenue share would drop from 60% to 55%, with the five airlines splitting the remaining 45% of revenue.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026
Denmark's defense intelligence service specifically warned Russia could use such tactics to split the NATO alliance.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of split

Verb

We are connected across continents in milliseconds, but too often separated by fear, anger, and mistrust.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Initially, Jessie’s overriding goal was simply to win back playtime with Bonnie, especially after becoming separated from her during a dance class.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of separate

Noun

Several other important artifacts of Mexica origin that have been part of repatriation disputes are also currently housed at the Weltmuseum.

— News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026
The dispute emerged as a rare point of overt contention in last week’s bankruptcy hearing, which was dominated by the news that golfer Jon Rahm would be parting ways with the LIV Golf.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of dispute

Noun

Social media and the rise of influencers transformed the streets outside the shows into a stage of their own.

— Alex Badia, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
The rise in streaming coupled with a desire to push boundaries has seen the nation shift from a more passive importer of formats to one that is setting its agenda on a global stage.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

The Clean Energy Choice Act, introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), requires utilities to offer homeowners a financial incentive to disconnect from gas and electrify the home when gas service line repairs are scheduled.

— Molly McCrea, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The team also demonstrated that the sheet could reconstruct its overall shape even after some fibers were cut or disconnected.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of disconnect

Verb

But then, in a moment Bekoff described as straight out of a movie, the clouds parted right as the bridal party headed outside.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Makeup was kept light and fresh, topped off with a nude lip, while her hair was parted down the middle, styled in face-framing waves.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of part

Noun

In the show, the crew encounters a white hole spewing time and space into the universe, and the only way to close it is for Lister to play space pool, sinking a planet into the interdimensional fissure via an over-elaborate trick shot.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Once moored, a boardwalk leads through old-growth forest to the fault itself, where ocean water is drawn in, heated up high and released through fissures in the rock.

— Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of fissure

Noun

The force, which rose to a peak of about 5,000 troops over the summer, has supported arrest operations, patrolled city streets and neighborhoods, and participated in cleanup efforts.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of peak

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divided

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“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of divide

verb

noun

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