separate 1 of 2

Definition of separatenext
1
as in different
not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

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2
as in single
not physically attached to another unit the housing development has 200 separate homes, each with its own enclosed yard

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3
4

separate

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to part
to go or move in different directions from a central point the searchers separated in order to cover more ground

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3
4
5
6
as in to split
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups The controversy separated the company's leadership into competing sides.

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word separate different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

When could discrete be used to replace separate?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When would distinct be a good substitute for separate?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

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 separate
Adjective
This time, Minnesota took advantage of the aggressive coverage on DiVincenzo, running the shooter through the entire action that featured three separate screens. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026 Instead of both of you standing on your separate sides, ask each other what’s in the middle. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
The situation had only worsened on a more recent visit last month when a South Asian version of the 38th Parallel that separates the two Koreas had been imposed on the border separating the two countries. Vijay Dandapani, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 By the time The Leinster was nearing completion, McKillen was in the process of separating his hotel interests from his various other interests. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • And to get to play these characters that are layered and complex and multidimensional is really fun — anything where there's a public and a private life, and a secret, and different elements at play, and having to keep different balls in the air is really fulfilling and fun.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Each box of pods follows the same format as their whole bean deliveries, single origin from a range of different coffee-producing countries and ready to drop right into a Keurig machine.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • According to another shopper, the battery lasts long enough to clean their entire apartment in one single charge.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Cosmic said the Santa Rosa home is the first single-family home being built using its AI technology.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Compute, sensors, steering, braking, and charging systems are all integrated into a unified autonomy stack rather than operating as independent subsystems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Camera Cinemas — the independent outfit led by Jack NyBlom, Jim Zuur and Dennis Skaggs — came in, renovated and added four auditoriums and reopened in July 2002 with a combo of first-run blockbusters and independent movies.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators also found that Cowles linked his company card to his personal PayPal account and transferred funds to third parties.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Use moodier colors and personal details to create a cozy, lived-in feel.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Footage of the shooting has divided viewers, with finger-pointing over who was the aggressor and who was the victim.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
  • From then until now, the image of a plate divided into sections has more clearly depicted what serving sizes should look like in an actual meal.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The fringe is parted in the middle, falling naturally on both sides of her face without creating blunt or heavy lines.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Would the two sides decide to part before the deadline?
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The department classifies Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under its highest Level 4 advisory, warning Americans about issues of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and more.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Those only include what the police classify as murders or non-negligent manslaughter.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Difficult Amazon logistics is no excuse Another challenge to vaccinating indigenous groups is the complicated logistics of getting shots to their territories, which are often isolated and hard to reach.
    Adriana Brasileiro, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • And that’s what people want at the end of the day, is someone to resonate with and not feel so alone and isolated in this world.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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