Definition of sectionnext
1
as in district
an area (as of a city) set apart for some purpose or having some special feature several abandoned warehouses in the city's industrial section are being converted into art galleries and artists' lofts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in portion
one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled had trouble fitting the sections of the bookcase together

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

section

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word section distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of section are division, fragment, member, part, piece, portion, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can division take the place of section?

Although the words division and section have much in common, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is it sensible to use fragment instead of section?

The words fragment and section 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 is member a more appropriate choice than section?

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

a structural member

When can part be used instead of section?

The synonyms part and section are sometimes interchangeable, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for section?

The words piece and section can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When could portion be used to replace section?

While the synonyms portion and section are close in meaning, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When might segment be a better fit than section?

In some situations, the words segment and section 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 section
Noun
O’Neal helmed a revamp of the section in a directive from Post owner Jeff Bezos. Scott Nover, Washington Post, 31 July 2026 Recent chief executives have struggled to unite the parent organization with its 17 geographical sections, which can upset the balance between professional development and community tennis. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Verb
The process began with detangling, drying, and sectioning each model’s hair before additional wefts from True Hair Company were installed to enhance length and fullness. Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 How to do miracle knots Start by sectioning out clean, even parts and braiding them into single plaits. Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for section
Recent Examples of Synonyms for section
Noun
  • The union said the agreement would have saved the district $67 million in retiree health insurance costs over three years while preserving retiree benefits.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Sacramento City Teachers Association released a response shortly afterward, with President Nikki Davis-Milevsky slamming the decision and urging the district to appeal the rescission to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
    Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • But no smile can truly part the clouds that loom over Nacua off the gridiron.
    Kai Dizon, Oc Register, 30 July 2026
  • For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • But that’s not the only reason the city and its surrounding neighborhoods, long known as a lively metropolis of late nights and ocean views, have become a developer’s playground.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • General manager Anthony Reese, who runs the NoDa location, told CharlotteFive the pet-friendly pub was sold to Small Bar, a neighborhood dive known for craft cocktails and beer.
    Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Another key segment is military and defense uniforms that feature smart camouflage, heat regulation and real-time vital monitoring for soldiers in rugged environments.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • These higher-margin verticals are housed in the company's largest segment, FedEx Express, which accounted for roughly 86% of total revenue during the company's fiscal 2026 fourth quarter , which ended May 31 and was reported in late June.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 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
Noun
  • Drivers should pay extra attention while passing through work zones and be aware of all workers and repair equipment.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Jones’ improvements with in-zone contact have been on display this week, as his homers off Imanaga, Peterson and White Sox righty Davis Martin came on pitches over the heart of the plate.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the same time, the workflow is fragmenting into specialized roles.
    Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • As Google rolls out the technology to other firms, watermarks are quickly becoming fragmented.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Section.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/section. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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