Definition of partnext

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
But there are ways to convert part of your nest egg into a predictable income stream that, when coupled with Social Security, can cover your essential expenses in retirement. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 28 July 2026 For Engelbert, this is part of the adjustment to the new officiating expectations set by the task force. Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Adverb
The enclosed chamber offers very good heat regulation with an extruder fan, a part-cooling fan, an auxiliary part-cooling fan, and a fan to regulate the chamber. PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025 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
Since the top is largely left untouched, Giannetos will typically part Clooney’s hair on one side of her head, giving the roots a little fluff. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 July 2026 The photos also show how George tends to part his hair to his left, while William often parted his to his right. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • With a spotlight on youth sports nationwide, many young athletes forge their identity around sports and dedicate a large portion of their free time to improvement.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • While the details have not been made public, the deal negotiated by Morales and Webb reportedly would have allowed PortMiami to pay a portion of the acquisition price over a decade or more.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Data-center demand rose from around 40% of global DRAM demand last year to more than half this year, according to Bulk, who expects that share to increase further.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 July 2026
  • Watch adjusted settlement volume, velocity, and the payments share of total movement.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • For decades, the service academies have sought to balance their dual roles as military institutions and accredited universities.
    James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The modest park sits on less than one acre of land off Parkwood Avenue and includes a playground, a picnic shelter and green space.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Ceuta and ‌Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city in northern Morocco, have the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Adverb
  • After flying for about an hour halfway around the world, the upper-stage portion of the Starship vehicle managed to land intact in the Indian Ocean – without blowing up.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • To make sure the mixture cooks all the way through, add hot water into the baking dish surrounding the ramekins — just halfway up.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Carroll built his home in 2009 directly behind the park, separated only by a fence.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Bunion Bootie is an ultra-thin, soft fabric big-toe alignment sleeve that fits comfortably inside your shoes, with a lightweight, breathable, second-skin design that separates the big toe from the second.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Tigers won for just the second time in six games to start a three-city West Coast swing and moved within 3 1/2 games of the final wild-card spot in the American League.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • If the proposal moves forward, corporate demographic data related to employee race and gender would be less available to the public.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Pezeshkian and his camp have pushed back, portraying IRIB as dividing the country at the time of war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Later on Friday, Infantino said the plan was to strengthen such bodies, not divide world soccer.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/part. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on part

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster