divorce 1 of 2

divorce

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divorce distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divorce are divide, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When is divide a more appropriate choice than divorce?

The words divide and divorce can be used in similar contexts, but divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

When is it sensible to use part instead of divorce?

While the synonyms part and divorce are close in meaning, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When could separate be used to replace divorce?

In some situations, the words separate and divorce 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 can sever be used instead of divorce?

The synonyms sever and divorce are sometimes interchangeable, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

In what contexts can sunder take the place of divorce?

While in some cases nearly identical to divorce, 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 divorce
Verb
Data shows the highest first divorce rates in 2023 were among men with a high school level of education and women with some college education, but no degree, according to NCFMR. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025 Ballerini was married to Australian country star Morgan Evans from 2017-2022; just months after the divorce was finalized, Ballerini sparked dating rumors with Stokes. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
Taylor and Tate divorced in 2022. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 After welcoming two children together, the influencer announced in 2022 that they were getting divorced. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divorce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divorce
Verb
  • The Anderson classification system for turf toe is split into three grades.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Plans also call for remodeling the existing southern section into 3,700 square feet of additional commercial space, split evenly between two storefronts.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler, went to the locker room after a diving pass breakup in the second quarter.
    Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Fans think Nina Dobrev and Shaun White’s abrupt breakup makes a whole lot more sense after watching the actor’s latest TikTok video.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But that isn’t separating Texans from their steaks.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Gray loves Catrice Hyper Lash Mascara, which separates lashes for definition, length, volume, and curl.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wright notified the researchers of the dissolution a day later.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Demonstrators are demanding the dissolution of parliament, mass resignation of lawmakers, immediate suspension of officials who ordered firing on protesters, and fresh elections.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While Towanda plans the wedding of her dreams, the family is rocked by medical emergencies, explosive emotional confrontations, and the fallout from a public scandal that threatens to divide them for good.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
    Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • National data show that Native students face disproportionate barriers in higher education, including financial hardship, geographic isolation, and cultural alienation at mainstream institutions.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Not only has his presidency exacerbated the cost-of-living woes and political alienation that Le Pen and her allies thrive on, but his various attempts to assuage concerns over their most important cause—opposition to immigration—have backfired spectacularly.
    Cole Stangler, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The announcement did not specify when the business would shutter, but when The Denver Post called on Friday morning, the number had already been disconnected.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some accepted severance and began new chapters.
    Marie Quintana, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That relates to a near-equal split across both severance costs and asset write-downs from the termination of early stage R & D assets and the closure of some manufacturing sites.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divorce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divorce. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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