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
• subdivide
• pull
• part
• disunite
• dissociate
• divorce
• ramify
• disassociate
• disjoin
• dissect
• detach
• dissever
• decompose
• decouple
• sunder
• disjoint
• break up
• uncouple
• dissolve
• unlink
• fragment
• cleave
• partition
• segment
• bifurcate
• disintegrate
• unyoke
• segregate
• 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

divide

2 of 2

noun

1

as in dispute

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• fissure
• disagreement
• debate
• altercation
• argument
• clash
• quarrel
• squabble
• contention
• bicker
• wrangle
• collision
• brawl
• competition
• discord
• spat
• variance
• fight
• disunity
• dissention
• tiff
• disharmony
• friction
• falling-out
• infighting
• dissonance
• dissension
• schism
• strife
• war
• 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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in rise

Synonyms & Similar 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

Although a ceasefire agreement in October 2020 brought temporary relief, Libya remains divided with various rival armed groups attempting to control the capital. —Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN Money, 4 June 2025

The issues dividing them are too difficult to resolve quickly. —Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025

Noun

The clip teases a fractured friendship as Elphaba and Glinda stand on opposite sides of a magical divide. —EW.com, 5 June 2025

By providing such aid, North Korea collapsed the divide between the East Asian and European theaters in a way not seen since World War II. —John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025

Phrases Containing divide

• great divide