separate 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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5

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
Moretti adapted Nevo’s short story collection together with co-screenwriters Federica Pontremoli and Valia Santella, intertwining the book’s separate stories about the various bonds — familial, political, social and romantic — that both restrict and liberate, into a single narrative. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025 Oklahoma reached a separate $270 million settlement in 2019. Alex Sundby june 17, CBS News, 17 June 2025
Verb
To do that, head to Cape Henlopen State Park, which encompasses 5,000 acres of sand separating the Atlantic (best for sunrises) from the Delaware Bay (head here for sunsets). Tim Neville, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 One component of the agreement prohibited the government from reenacting for at least eight years immigration policies that separate children and parents. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • In biology, sometimes many different molecules can do the same job.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • The British Royal Family is no different; their problems just play out on a bigger stage.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The cheeseburgers at Mama’s Snack shack are $5.50 for a single and $8.60 for a double.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The Yankees did take a crack at a comeback in the eighth after a bucket of French fries fell on the field, causing a brief delay, as DJ LeMahieu plated two runs with a two-out single up the middle in the eighth.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • City leaders, police brass and friends described her as a hard worker with an independent streak who loved her job.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • Whether the indictment is solid or not, Abrego García will now have competent legal defense and will be before independent judges.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • On Tuesday, Richardson-Lowry stressed that none of those records contained personal information.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • As a Dane yourself, are you reminded of your own personal collection with the brand?
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The issue of getting more involved in the conflict has divided Trump's MAGA base, with some pointing to his campaign promise to keep America out of foreign wars.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • The internet is divided over a recent marketing gimmick involving Sydney Sweeney, who, in collaboration with the men's personal care company Dr. Squatch, authorized the creation and sale of bars of soap containing, among other things, her bathwater.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Aina’s long blond hair was curled and parted to the side of her head.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
  • Musk and President Donald Trump seemingly parted on a positive note, sharing kind words about each other during an Oval Office press conference on May 30.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • One half of respondents say price increases have caused financial hardships for them or their household, with 16% classifying it as serious hardship.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
  • Geomagnetic storms are classified using a G-scale, which ranks their intensity from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Crews isolated hotspots and began mop-up operations, while additional resources arrived to relieve initial attack personnel.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
  • These crises are not isolated—they are deeply interconnected.
    Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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