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

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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
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
The 176 rooms make nice use of color—sage green walls, peach velour benches—plus separate lounge areas with an armchair and roomy desk. —Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025 Instead, place your phone in a separate room, or take a walk to really boost your creativity. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
This was a major improvement over past observations, where the final reverberations were too weak to be separated from the initial collision. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025 Two schools of thought flitter through the streets just behind the Denver Broncos’ planned future home, separated by just one block but standing an entire world apart. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 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 company also showed off the Max10 Ultra, a hybrid robot vacuum that can automatically swap between three different sets of mop heads based on the flooring type.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Plenty of thought clearly also went into creating the right ambience from the moment the team bus pulls up behind the West Stand judging by the different lighting and imagery used to shift the mood as the players pass through the bowels of the arena.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Those numbers are rough estimates, because they are based on a single observation.
    — Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • At a 12% marginal tax rate, for example, the $6,000 deduction for a single taxpayer who is 65 or older would result in $720 in tax savings.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • To have a chance at winning in November, a Democratic candidate will need to draw independent voters and sway on the fence Republicans, in addition rallying Democrats, Rottinghaus said.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Though most sightings can be identified as planes, balloons, drones and weather events, the independent group says more sophisticated scientific research is needed, along with efforts to remove the stigma of reporting UFOs (sorry, UAP).
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of independent
Adjective
  • Even if there is no criminal investigation, the NFL has the authority — in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement — to independently investigate allegations in a civil matter and discipline Hill under the league’s personal conduct policy.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • So yeah, that case was personal.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of personal
Verb
  • While Towanda plans the wedding of her dreams, the family is rocked by medical emergencies, explosive emotional confrontations, and the fallout from a public scandal that threatens to divide them for good.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
    — Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of divide
Verb
  • The piece shows the king with hair parted down the middle and with a long goatee, photos show.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The designer's long, dark hair is parted to the side and styled sleek and straight.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of part
Verb
  • Forbes classifies Ellison–who bought nearly all of the Hawaiian island Lanai for $300 million in 2012–as a California resident based on his voter registration.
    — Ella Malmgren, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Arguing that relocation can stem the loss of biodiversity, the government has classified some islands used by Nicobarese tribals as wildlife sanctuaries.
    — M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of classify
Verb
  • The drop in attendance in California's Central Valley schools is not isolated.
    — Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The National Weather Service in Nashville said the region is at a slight risk, a two on the five-step scale, for damaging winds, isolated large hail, heavy rains, frequent lightning and a possible tornado.
    — Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025
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 12 Sep. 2025.

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