part 1 of 3

part

2 of 3

adverb

part

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point after traveling together for three weeks, we parted at Rome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When could member be used to replace part?

While in some cases nearly identical to part, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part are roughly equivalent. However, 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 part
Noun
Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Paul Chi, Vogue, 13 July 2025 School officials in Fort Worth and across Texas are scrambling to figure out how to replace millions of dollars in federal money that’s being held up as a part of the Trump administration’s freeze on education grant funding. Silas Allen july 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2025
Adverb
François Girard’s take — part mysterious, part mystifying — on Wagner’s last opera is one of the Met’s most interesting productions of the last decade or so, and returns for the first time since its premiere in 2013. David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Verb
As Amélie gradually learns to make sense of the world — parting the waters of the sea to examine all the creatures living there, and constructing paper lanterns with Nishio for the Obon festival of the dead — the movie works its magic. Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 July 2025 Also: Joel’s parting words should flash onscreen any time an Emmy winner goes long at the podium. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • Elsewhere, high pressure centered over the Southeast will keep dangerously hot and humid conditions in that region, but strong to severe storms along the perimeter of the high will remain possible across portions of the Plains, Midwest and even across portions of the East Coast.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 19 July 2025
  • At least the ending vocal portion, which prompted Jin to stop and look into the crowd, taking in the moment.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • After 24 hours, Instagram provides engagement metrics like views, likes, comments, and shares.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • The Giants are in the process of trying to sell a 10% minority share in ownership of the franchise.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • In part, that was because of his role as George Lutz in the original Amityville Horror.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Butler reprises his 2010 voice role of Viking Chief Stoic the Vast for the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, while Thames plays his son, Hiccup, who doesn’t seem cut out for the centuries-long tradition of fighting dragons.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s a certain romanticism that lies at the heart of these remarkable gins, something conjured, perhaps, by that dramatic meeting of land and sea.
    Camille Berry, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Since the end of the Cold War, these munitions have given the U.S. near-total dominance on land, sea, and air.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adverb
  • Fill a jar or pan halfway with soapy water and set it under a light.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
  • Travelers will fly halfway around the world to find calm, crystal-clear, blue water, from the Bahamas to the Seychelles and the Gili Islands.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Unfortunately, some of this history seems relevant now as immigrant children are being forcibly separated from their parents.
    Jane Ciabattari July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • Twigs and LaBeouf dated between 2018 and 2019 after meeting on the set of his 2019 directorial debut Honey Boy, while LaBeouf was separated from his now-wife Mia Goth.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Residents of several communities were ordered to move inland to higher ground.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • These days, the model keeps a low profile and has completely moved away from the limelight.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Debate at meeting During the board meeting Thursday night, the room was divided between supporters of Mayer, advocates for the students who came forward, and former students who were against Mayer’s employment from being reinstated.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
  • Know the Signs Cucumbers are typically divided into two main categories: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/part. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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