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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
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 See All Example Sentences for divide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide
Verb
  • The Federal Reserve is now overwhelmingly expected to keep rates on hold during its June and July meetings, with the market split over its September decision, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The kids split their time between this house and their other parents' homes.
    Stephanie Warsmith, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Airlines also often try to separate business travelers from leisure travelers, because business travelers are typically less price sensitive.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • While they are legally separated, their divorce has stalled due to Girardi's conservatorship and legal troubles.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Officials from the United States and China met in London to talk about a range of different disputes that are separating them.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Phan was convicted of shooting up a high school graduation party after a dispute, killing an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old.
    Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The findings show that, between 2021 and 2023, cannabis use among older adults in the U.S. saw a significant rise, with some groups showing especially sharp increases.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • One of the clearest indicators of this shift is the growing rise and relevance of nontraditional finance.
    Liquidia, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Aina’s long blond hair was curled and parted to the side of her head.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
  • Musk and President Donald Trump seemingly parted on a positive note, sharing kind words about each other during an Oval Office press conference on May 30.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Scientists were alerted to its relatively rapid movement due to a large fissure that appeared in Ethiopia in 2005.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025
  • With all of that pressure, fissures can reveal themselves.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2025
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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