separate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce separate (audio)
Definition of separatenext
1
as in different
not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another the former Soviet republic is now a separate country

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4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person the husband and wife each have separate interests

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

separate

2 of 2

verb

ˈse-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce separate (audio)
1
as in to divide
to set or force apart we tried to separate the gluey pages, but they were stuck tight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type separate the students by reading ability

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4
as in to isolate
to set or keep apart from others separated the injured calf from the herd

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5
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in trying to separate science from religion on one specific point

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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
Militant violence has surged in Pakistan in recent months, much of it blamed on the TTP, which is separate from but closely allied with the Afghan Taliban. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 But for many potential winners of Sunday’s Lone Star Le Mans race in Texas, two separate teams could be celebrating at exactly the same time. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
What Trittel believes ultimately separates Los Gallos from the rest isn’t a training method at all, but chemistry and friendships built over years, both on the F50 and off it. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the historic route connected waterfront communities that were once separated by rivers, bays, and marshes, creating a new way for travelers to experience the region’s seafood, architecture, and maritime traditions. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
  1. different
  2. single
  3. independent
  4. personal
  5. divide
  6. part
  7. classify
  8. isolate
Adjective
  • The system administrator should have different capabilities than a patrol officer.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Chaparral features interchangeable cargo pods, enabling operators to adapt the aircraft for different missions without altering its core platform.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Jeremiah Johnson, vice president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, said asylum rates appear to be one factor, but the dismissals cannot be attributed to a single reason.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That represented Newcastle’s highest gate of the Premier League era — and also the most fans who had attended a single game inside St James’ Park in more than half a century.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of single
Adjective
  • In early 2021, after a few years as an independent hotel, the Monarch Beach Resort joined the Waldorf Astoria Collection, the luxury brand from Hilton Hotels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
  • That means projects that are independent as a feature, not a bug.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of independent
Adjective
  • When the seasons start to change, personal style can be put into peril.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The overall taste experience, personal preferences and the moments associated with a brand all contribute to why someone may prefer one cola over another.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of personal
Verb
  • Deficit turnaround Meloni inherited an Italy that was politically divided and fraught with fiscal problems.
    — Jenni Reid,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The open-plan, curvilinear design means the galleries are not fully divided, reinforcing the all-encompassing nature of the collection, though altogether the vast array of exhibits sometimes struggle for cohesiveness.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of divide
Verb
  • When their plan goes horribly awry, the couple is parted once again.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In its place is a head of dark, longer hair parted down the middle, with loose curtain bangs falling across his forehead and framing his face.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of part
Verb
  • The department does not classify its calls by snake type, the spokesperson said.
    — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of classify
Verb
  • The rare meeting underscored Washington's willingness to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with Moscow, even as European allies have intended to keep the nation isolated while the war continues.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • When practical, keep at least one backup disconnected from your computer or otherwise isolated from routine activity.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of isolate

Browse Nearby Words

separable
separate
separated
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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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