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
There is a temptation to read the Congo and the United States as separate stories, one about a fragile state far away and one about our own polarized politics. Tyler Evans, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 Two separate Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon on Sunday morning — one in the town of Taybeh and another in the Nabatiyeh area, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Verb
The first pair hardly lasted a season; after several backpacking missions on soggy trails, the mesh on the uppers was practically shredded, and the outsoles had started to separate from the rest of the shoe. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 Casa Amor, as a concept, is traditionally structured like a prisoner’s dilemma, with neither the main villa nor Casa Islanders aware of what their counterparts are doing while they’re separated. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • There are four main courses in the area — dirt, park, street and vertical — all with different styles of judging and competition.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • The two parties would take a somewhat different approach for police protection at high-security venues.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was the most of any player in that tournament, earning Kane the Golden Boot that year and tying Lineker’s record for the most goals by an England player in a single World Cup.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Under state law, any single gift — or multiple gifts from the same source that add up to $50 or more during the annual period — must be disclosed.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Murdaugh’s attorneys filed several pretrial motions last week, including requests for a change of venue, for further independent testing of DNA evidence and for Murdaugh to get access to a computer behind bars.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Audiences are very motivated to support independent filmmakers, and that’s a good thing for all of us.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Republican legislators, taking their lead from a president who sees half the nation as his personal enemy, have put their own party’s interests over the republic’s.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • While the property is a showpiece, the reason for selling is personal.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Looking along party lines, Republicans are closely divided on AI, as 38% expect a positive impact on the economy and 40% expecting a negative impact.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Your father strides into the dining room, harried, shiny black hair parted to one side, his fingers buttoning the cuffs of his starched white collared shirt.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • The series recently parted ways with creator Chad Feehan.
    Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Companies need to have an airtight hold on their own sourcing data—an understanding not only of where the materials and inputs are coming from, but how to substantiate their claims and classify customs entries with precision.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
  • Gambling disorder is now classified in the same section in the DSM as substance abuse disorders because of the similarities in clinical presentation and treatment.
    Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Now, in Crimea, Kyiv is systematically targeting key transport links and supply routes connecting the peninsula to southern Russian forces, aiming to disrupt logistics and isolate military infrastructure there.
    Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Her direction here wisely emphasizes the actors, and possibly overdoes it with the mirrors — lotta symbolically reflective surfaces and isolating frames within frames — but there’s never the sensation that the person behind the camera is winging it.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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