divorce 1 of 2

Definition of divorcenext

divorce

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
The divorce has left Faith heartbroken and feeling caught in the middle, per the source. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 6 June 2026 Their divorce was finalized in 2021. Meg Walters, InStyle, 6 June 2026
Verb
The new tax on Dubai tolls and parking, which began on June 1, will give the UAE government another cut from its roads that’s divorced from the financial performance of the operators. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 June 2026 As the investigation progresses in this four-part docuseries, Stephen reveals the turbulent family dynamics that shaped his childhood, including his father Ron — a violent Vietnam War vet grappling with PTSD — and his mother, Margie, who divorced Ron in the '90s. James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for divorce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divorce
Noun
  • Gillespie had 37 tackles, 18 pass breakups and four interceptions as a junior.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
  • Their relationship had a rocky start, when reports of their relationship – amid breakups with their respective spouses – started emerging in July 2023, resulting in backlash for the costars.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The jackpot hasn’t been hit in more than a month, rolling over since May 2, when tickets in Texas and Florida split a $20 million prize.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • The Stanley Cup Final shifted to Las Vegas for Game 3 with the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes knotted at 1-1 after splitting the opening two games in Raleigh.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Kemp, who is Black, recalled watching his mother vote in Birmingham, Alabama, for the first time shortly after the dissolution of voting restrictions.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • Following the 2023 dissolution of the onePulse Foundation’s efforts, the City of Orlando purchased the nightclub building and lot to lead the memorial creation process.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The for and against are separated by 13,004 votes.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 June 2026
  • This series has been so close, and such a classic, that through three games the teams are separated by just one goal — Las Vegas 13, Carolina 12.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Once a unifying symbol, the flag has come to represent political alienation for some.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026
  • Meier also found that mothers accused of parental alienation after reporting abuse were almost twice as likely to lose custody, and were disproportionately losing custody compared to fathers.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • The lake was divided into east and west, connected by a narrow channel, with a four-lane bridge crossing over it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Now, ferries transport crowds to the incomplete sea fort in the middle of the Charleston Harbor to see a glimpse of life on the island and the attack that divided a nation for years to come.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The city is demanding the city’s legal and investigation costs be repaid by July 1, the severance costs by August 1 and the tuition reimbursement by September 1.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
  • When severance is paid like ordinary wages, the limits under the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act typically apply.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • But fully disconnecting can unintentionally create more risk than relief.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divorce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divorce. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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