Synonyms of divide

divide 1 of 2

verb

də-ˈvīd 

1

as in to split

to set or force apart

Volunteers divided the donated groceries into several dozen piles.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• split
• separate
• disconnect
• resolve
• sever
• isolate
• pull
• subdivide
• part
• disunite
• dissociate
• divorce
• ramify
• disassociate
• disjoin
• dissect
• detach
• dissever
• decompose
• decouple
• sunder
• disjoint
• break up
• uncouple
• dissolve
• unlink
• fragment
• cleave
• segregate
• segment
• bifurcate
• partition
• disintegrate
• unyoke
• rip
• dichotomize
• tear
• halve
• bisect
• quarter
• disassemble
• fractionate
• break
• rift
• trisect
• unravel
• break down
• fractionalize
• fragmentize
• rend
• fracture
• cut off
• rupture
• fragmentate
• insulate
• rive
• disentangle
• seclude
• disengage
• sequester
• untie

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• join
• unite
• unify
• combine
• link
• mix
• assemble
• blend
• connect
• associate
• couple
• mingle
• accumulate
• bind
• close
• attach
• stick
• knit
• fuse
• fasten
• cement
• weld
• agglutinate

2

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

• separate
• part
• diverge
• spread
• fork
• retreat
• scatter
• branch (out)
• distribute
• disperse
• dispel
• dissipate
• disband
• sow
• broadcast
• clear out
• recede
• distance
• bestrew
• break up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• join
• converge
• meet
• gather
• assemble

3

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

• split
• polarize
• separate
• splinter
• fragment
• alienate
• fracture
• estrange
• antagonize
• embitter
• disaffect
• disgruntle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unite
• unify
• reconcile
• harmonize
• coalesce
• consolidate
• concentrate
• conciliate

divide

2 of 2

noun

1

as in dispute

Related Words

• dispute
• fissure
• disagreement
• debate
• altercation
• argument
• clash
• quarrel
• squabble
• contention
• bicker
• wrangle
• collision
• brawl
• competition
• discord
• variance
• spat
• fight
• disunity
• tiff
• disharmony
• friction
• falling-out
• infighting
• dissonance
• dissension
• schism
• war
• strife
• row
• conflict
• division
• run-in
• discordance
• warfare
• dissent
• scrap
• disunion
• jar
• mix-up
• enmity
• inconsistency
• dissidence
• incongruence
• discordancy
• inharmony
• animosity
• incompatibility
• incongruity
• hassle
• antagonism
• hostility
• antipathy
• rancor
• disaccord
• ill will
• miff
• cold war
• inharmoniousness
• inconsonance
• inconsistence
• incongruousness

Dissimilar Words

• agreement
• peace
• harmony
• accord
• cooperation
• concord
• concordance
• concurrence

2

as in rise

Related Words

• rise
• peak
• prominence
• eminence
• spine
• backbone
• ridge
• promontory
• ridgepole
• crest

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

Recent Examples of divide

Verb

Today, the couple divides their time between a mix of philanthropic and commercial projects while juggling parenthood to their young children, which Meghan opened up about in an exclusive PEOPLE interview last year. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

This isn’t dissimilar to Indian classical music, where notes are divided by 22 instead of 12. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

Noun

And the divide was unbridgeable. —Quanta Magazine, 3 June 2026

The divide has created a sense of urgency among state officials. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 June 2026

Phrases Containing divide

• great divide