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
At first glance, the companies seem to play separate roles. Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 Treatments and amenities woven into the full stay, rather than bolted on as a separate clinic, also tend to deliver more measurable benefit than à la carte high-tech interventions. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 May 2026
Verb
What does separate these recent shows is the work itself and the way that curators organize it for viewing. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 The Olympic Athlete As A Whole Person Gasol believes today’s most pressing Olympic debates—whether surrounding gender eligibility, athlete expression, mental health, or competitive integrity—cannot be separated. Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • For something a little different, slip behind a hidden bookshelf to Founders Club, a speakeasy-style bar with polished brass, candlelit corners, and an impressive spirits list.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Pair it with matching shorts for a different kind of power suit.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • The single drove in a third run, but center fielder Andy Pages scooped up the ball and caught Gary Sánchez trying to go from first to third on the play, ending the inning.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • The team also broke the NCAA single-season team run record with 651.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Also, only Congress has the authority to authorize spending and independent agencies were set up to be out of the reach of the executive branch, but neither check is being respected.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • But independent estimates place the number to more than 1,000.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Every apartment needs personal touches to keep it from feeling overly staged, and these Quince Shagreen Picture Frames helped add that warmth while still looking incredibly chic.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • For the first time, Division 1 of the CIF-SS playoffs is a 16-team group that was divided into four pools of four teams each.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
  • In between Biennale exhibits, here is where to eat, drink, and pull up a stool, by sestiere, the six historic districts that divide the city.
    Jenn Rice, Vogue, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • That drone morphs into a sea shanty–like melody, as if the clouds have parted and the waters calmed, giving you a stable place to stand after having to constantly adjust your footing.
    Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026
  • Read on for Eric Kripke’s parting thoughts on The Boys, all episodes of which are now available to stream on Prime Video.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The incident being classified as a homicide, according to Skokie police.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
  • Silicone and plastic are both classified as polymers, but they are built differently at the molecular level.
    Ryan Brennan May 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • This technique allows the photographer to isolate the color information captured in the image.
    Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 22 May 2026
  • For businesses using promotional merchandise as part of a client retention strategy, start by isolating accounts that received a structured gifting program versus those that didn't, then compare retention rates and average order value over 12 months.
    Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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