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
Of the instances — many of which were also covered in EW's 20th anniversary oral history on the show in 2023 — models in the three-part docuseries speak about two separate shoots that tasked contestants with portraying women of different races through the use of dark makeup. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026 Those who enroll in the programs enter a separate, often much shorter line at airport security. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
Saguaro is divided into two districts separated by the city of Tucson, with the Rincon Mountain District on the east side of town and the Tucson Mountain District on the west side of town. Graham Averill, Outside, 23 Feb. 2026 This centers on pivoting from unisex collections to separate fits and codes for women’s and menswear, overall upping the fashion content of Pangaia’s unfussy proposition. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026
  • However, On Fire With Jeff Probst won't return in its usual form for Survivor 50, Entertainment Weekly has learned, as CBS is taking a different approach to promote the show's milestone 50th season.
    Staff Author, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Modest, single-family homes with American flags are a common fixture.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Johnston set a Dallas Stars record for most power play goals in a single season in Thursday’s win over Seattle.
    Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As talented journalists go independent on Substack and YouTube and other legacy publications like The New York Times lean into personalization in nearly every element of their business, The Economist has resisted change.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
  • With an independent test data set for release, the coming weeks may determine whether Donut Lab’s claims mark a genuine breakthrough or another chapter in the long and difficult quest to commercialize solid-state batteries.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Rather than a conventional spa, Upper House Hong Kong takes a personal approach to wellness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Toss it in your personal item and you’re covered from boarding to baggage claim.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Senate Republicans are sharply divided over how to pursue the SAVE America Act voter ID and citizenship bill.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 26 Feb. 2026
  • In the poll, nearly all respondents (91%) said the state’s budget situation was somewhat of a problem, though they were divided on how to close the gap, with 43% for spending cuts and 39% through a mix of cuts and tax increases.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Their hair — Gyllenhaal’s a chocolate brown shade and Buckley’s a butter blond mix — was trimmed chin length and parted on opposite sides of their heads.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • After a disappointing second-round defeat at the Australian Open last month, Raducanu parted company with her coach, Francisco Roig.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Labor Department published a rule Friday that would undo egregious attempts during the last administration to classify more workers as employees rather than independent contractors.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The funky-looking vehicle might be classified as the world’s most interesting, powerful, fastest, and quickest golf cart.
    Joel Feder, The Drive, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Purely national committees were chosen to best isolate national trends.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Meek’s best writing often isolates intimate moments with tenderness and relatability.
    Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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