Definition of divisionnext
1
as in divider
something that divides, separates, or marks off we poked our heads over the division between the yards to see what the fuss was about

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in department
a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization the complaints division handled all of the calls from the angry townsfolk

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3
4
5
as in distribution
the act or process of giving out something to each member of a group the person in charge of the division of the profits among the business partners

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

Synonym Chooser

How is the word division distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of division are fragment, member, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When would fragment be a good substitute for division?

While in some cases nearly identical to division, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When can member be used instead of division?

While the synonyms member and division are close in meaning, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

Where would part be a reasonable alternative to division?

The words part and division can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can piece take the place of division?

In some situations, the words piece and division are roughly equivalent. However, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is portion a more appropriate choice than division?

Although the words portion and division have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace division?

The synonyms section and division are sometimes interchangeable, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of division?

The words segment and division are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 division In November, Sweetgreen sold Spyce, the division that developed the chain’s Infinite Kitchen automation technology, to Wonder for $186 million. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 The division works with major brands like Crocs, Tinder, and Marshalls|TJ MAXX, producers like A24, OBB Media, and Shondaland and distributors like Apple TV, Disney and Warner Bros. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 26 Feb. 2026 Almeria is currently in third place in Spain's second division. ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026 Access Hollywood is produced, distributed and owned by NBCUniversal under the NBCUniversal Syndication Studios division. Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for division
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
Noun
  • Video showed a gray sedan engulfed in flames after hitting a divider beneath the airport.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The duffel features zippered compartments on both ends, a mesh internal organization pocket, and a removable divider that bisects the generous main compartment, which is easily accessible via a 270-degree-zippered flap.
    Drew Zieff, Outside, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Cort Klopping said a department biologist headed to the area of the Verdugo Mountains where the attack occurred to investigate and spoke with McVay.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Hartman said the department is in touch with local and state crews regarding the wildfires, who will give them a 24-hour notice if an evacuation at Alligator Alcatraz becomes necessary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • With a $80K base price – the new normal in this SUV category – the 2026 Nissan Armada is ready to ride.
    Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The film picked up two Academy Award nominations, for Wiig and Mumolo's screenplay, and for McCarthy's supporting performance, but lost in both categories.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, the couple separated in 2017 and Gayheart filed to divorce Dane in 2018, but the split was never finalized.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • According to The Times of London, which first reported the split over airbase access, Starmer has denied the use of RAF Fairford in England and Diego Garcia – the British overseas territory in the Indian Ocean – for any strike on Iran.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Inaugural Entertainment has acquired domestic distribution rights to writer-director Guy Moshe’s Hotel Tehran and is planning a wide theatrical release for later this year, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Moreover, a cleanup of distribution in 2024 and new, high-profile distribution in EMEA has resulted in a re-acceleration in the region, with four consecutive quarters of growth of 33 percent or more.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The proposal has sparked Democratic discord ahead of 2026’s governor’s race, though neither billionaire has explicitly blamed the effort for their actions.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Celebrate with an activity that allows for big release of energies, something athletic or competitive; a sedentary pleasure could lead to discord.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The city has been responsible for ongoing maintenance of the fence since then, but now both the city and county believe that those repairs are no longer enough, staff said in the report.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
  • But only Talarico has a strategy to win over the state’s on-the-fence independents in a year when enthusiasm for the potential Republican nominees seems particularly lackluster.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The agency – while still enlarging its footprint across the country – may adopt more targeted, less public tactics going forward, according to reporting by CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
  • It is made available to other agencies as needed about 200 days out of the year, usually for a fee to cover the cost of operations.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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