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
The bigger picture is this: Moderna is part of a growing movement toward enterprise models that favor systems thinking over functional optimization. John Winsor, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Fukada says that was deliberate, part of an aspiration to reach the mainstream Japanese audience with his critique. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 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
Hairstylist Marissa Marino, who often works with Gomez, parted the star's hair in the center and styled it as straight and sleek as possible, probably with a very hot flat iron. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 May 2025 Veronika is more reserved, on the surface seems less emotionally volatile, and is standing with her legs parted — a good fighting stance. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • Whey protein is the liquid portion of milk that separates from the curd during cheesemaking.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 20 May 2025
  • Panh explained how dry herb vaporizers extend the shelf life of flower, because smoking destroys a portion of it immediately.
    Benjamin Adams, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Eagle, desperate to avoid denying Palace their place in Europe, could yet conclude a sale of its shares.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower was not a political angel and made his share of mistakes, like all who engage in politics.
    George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • If Matz resumes a hybrid role, having an effective Romero as the primary left-handed reliever will be vital.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • At the age of 10, following her parents’ divorce, Poppy stepped into a pivotal role in Bellock’s life — not just as a grandparent, but as a steady source of comfort and care.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • These sightings offer hope that this snake may return to lands it was once pushed out of.
    Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • Super Nintendo World is home to two smaller lands, Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Adverb
  • The Cats are little more than halfway to proving it, but that is what the eye test tells us two playoff rounds in and after Tuesday night’s 5-2 road victory in Carolina in Game 1 of the Eastern finals.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
  • Wilson was halfway to a double-double entering the second half and ended with 22 points and 10 rebounds plus four assists, three steals and two blocks.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • At one point, cinematographer Adib Sobhani’s camera cranes up above the schoolyard, showing students and parents separated by a fence that Aliyar accidentally locked.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • The couples who were separated in the show — like Jack and Kate, Desmond and Penny and Sawyer and Juliet — all reunited in those flashes.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • If the execution moves forward this time, Smith will be the first inmate executed in Tennessee since 2020 and the 19th in the U.S. this year.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • By all accounts, seeing the interior of the home is a moving experience.
    Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Time, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Divided Society Finally, the uneven distribution of access to and benefits from humanoid technology could divide society even further.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • These changes, called genetic mutations, cause bone marrow cells to grow and divide too quickly.11 Experts don’t fully understand why these genetic mutations happen.
    Health, Health, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/part. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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