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
The latest wave of levies were enacted under a section of the Trade Act of 1974. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 24 July 2026 On the inner display, the comment section instead acts as an overlay, so the video keeps playing in the background. Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 24 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
  • Two Democratic candidates aim to turn the Johnson County district blue for the first time in years.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Silbiger’s creative burnout and yearning to explore the United States coincided with Bernert taking a buyout in the autumn of 2023 from his journalism job in the district.
    Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 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
  • The clouds began to part as Dylan and his band took the stage.
    Raj Tawney, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • 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
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
  • After two-and-a-half minutes, the booster separated from Starship, returning to Earth.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 25 July 2026
  • Resilience, and ample amounts of it, is a necessity, and one way to build this reservoir of resilience is to stop separating health and business.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • However, the crowds also created public safety challenges outside official viewing zones.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • The event is a free, two-night fan festival featuring interactive fan zones, live music, games, player appearances, giveaways and an MLS watch party.
    Alex Zietlow July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Because the data that should enable real-time visibility is fragmented across a kaleidoscope of data, inside different systems and owned by different stakeholders throughout the entire network.
    Guy Courtin, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • As healthcare becomes increasingly fragmented, patients are no longer simply choosing between doctors.
    Deidre Popovich, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Section.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/section. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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