separate 1 of 2

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
Recognizing the need for traceability and actually investing in it are two separate things. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 7 Oct. 2025 In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake mix and cinnamon. Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
Flurries of Revolutionary War battle reenactments were also recorded around the centennial, in 1876; participants then included many Civil War veterans, separated from real battlefield carnage by only a few summers. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 Because the brand has not had a particularly distinctive point of view for several seasons, Dario Vitale successfully mixed it up with very retro references, a youthful exuberance, and separated his point of view from his predecessor, Donatella. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • Businesses also use VPNs to keep their proprietary information and data on a single server, especially if workers are spread out among different offices, according to developer platform Cloudflare.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Unfortunately, the offensive line that has done well in the first four weeks of the season is set to look far different in Week 5, which Cowboys fans learned in the team's injury report released on Friday.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Noting the billions of dollars that Arkansas spends each year on federal programs to help the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare and unemployment assistance, Sanders suggested the problems are often too big for a single program to fix.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, this is still a group that lacks even a single true top-pair defenseman.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Miner preachers and independent churches were central to the organization of miners in eastern Kentucky in the 1930s, too, during another period of violence between mine operators and miners over conditions, wages and unionization.
    The Conversation, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Programs are housed in state attorney general offices, in nonprofits and even as independent agencies.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Shop Apple AirTags, personal safety alarms, anti-theft bags, and more essentials while they’re marked down up to 56 percent off.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The grand jury that approved the charges against Comey was divided, as 14 of the 23 jurors approved the two counts, just over the necessary 12-vote threshold.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
  • It is calculated by dividing the ‘progress’ (the distance the ball travelled towards the opponent’s goal line) by the ‘sequence time’ (the duration of the sequence).
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Substance actress, whose signature jet-black, silky and sleek hair is usually parted at the center, wore her tresses styled in a wavy blowout with teased bangs by Dimitris Giannetos.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The actress wore her gray hair in curls and parted down the middle, keeping her makeup subtle, except for bold red lipstick.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cause was classified as norovirus, a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and is commonly known as the stomach flu.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classify the race as a likely victory for Spanberger.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Passengers who’d fallen ill on the Serenade of the Seas were isolated, disembarking separately upon arrival.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Shortly after Henry’s death, Augusta suffered two paralyzing strokes, intensifying her and Ed’s isolated, co-dependent relationship before her death in 1945.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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