Synonyms of division

division

noun

də-ˈvi-zhən 

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

• divider
• fence
• wall
• partition
• separation
• separator
• barrier
• boundary
• border
• limit

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• department
• agency
• office
• bureau
• service
• desk
• branch
• arm
• subdivision
• subdepartment

3

as in category

one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic

one of the major divisions of birds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• category
• type
• kind
• group
• classification
• tier
• league
• class
• sort
• family
• section
• bracket
• genus
• species
• generation
• variety
• grade
• rank(s)
• set
• rubric
• order
• breed
• subdivision
• subgroup
• branch
• race
• description
• specialty
• subspecies
• manner
• kidney
• nature
• speciality
• heading
• title
• subclass
• label
• ilk
• like
• feather

4

as in split

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces

the assembly line was a major development in the division of labor among workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• split
• dissolution
• partition
• breakup
• separation
• schism
• bifurcation
• cleavage
• fractionation
• dispersion
• distribution
• fractionalization
• subdivision
• dispersal
• disunion
• scission
• decomposition
• polarization
• divorce
• sundering
• administration
• segregation
• rupture
• segmentation
• breach
• severance
• diffusion
• apportionment
• isolation
• scattering
• dismemberment
• disassembly
• atomization
• dichotomization
• sequestration
• seclusion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• union
• unification
• association
• connection
• conjunction
• assemblage
• attachment
• consolidation
• combination
• link
• linkage
• fusion
• aggregation
• linkup

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

• distribution
• allocation
• apportionment
• issuance
• dispensation
• allotment
• redistribution
• disbursement
• reallocation
• admeasurement
• redivision
• reapportionment
• partition
• separation
• repartition

6

as in discord

a lack of agreement or harmony

that church has been racked by division for some time now, and a split into two denominations seems unavoidable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of division

How the starting pitching performs will play a pivotal role in which team finishes first in the division. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Although the film never gives its divisions a name — much of it unfolds through Maya’s sheltered perspective — its setting provides the perfect symbolism for a nation built on discrimination. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Weiss, founder of the heterodox digital news site the Free Press, was hired by Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison with a mandate to pull the news division to the political center. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

So deep are the divisions that hardliners have accused officials of deliberately mismanaging the economic crisis to pressure an exhausted public into accepting a deal. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026