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
Fulfillment, including renewal notices, tags, and reward cards, is managed by Pet Parent in a way that can help organizations provide a polished experience without maintaining separate logistics. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026 The break comes just days after a boil order was lifted due to a separate water main break in the village earlier this week. Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
Matthew Stockman / Getty Images At the world-class level of sports, miniscule differences can separate winners from losers, and gold from silver or bronze. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026 White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was questioned during a briefing on Monday about whether the administration would be willing to separate DHS funding from other bills in order to avoid a shutdown. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • How to play Mega Millions Player can 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 Mall).
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The bus was headed to the village of the groom after the wedding ceremony, but the groom and bride were in a different vehicle and survived.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To claim a single-payment cash option, a winner has within the first 60 days after the applicable draw date to claim it.
    Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 8 Feb. 2026
  • In this drama series, two friends recently divorced and widowed explore their new single lives with teenage children while questioning the possibility of a romantic future.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The fallout from the files has consumed much of the news media in recent weeks, dominating headlines and coverage at major news institutions as journalists and independent creators dig through the files for embarrassing nuggets of association about high-profile individuals.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Confirming independent biological signatures.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Whether on the stage or the red carpet, the star has always approached dressing with an original and personal flair.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
  • It is supposed to be central to our political, social and personal considerations.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The discussion centered on a city staff recommendation to adopt a hybrid trash collection system, even as council members remained divided over how far the city should go in changing alley service.
    Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The uprising led to a civil war, and the country has since become divided between rival armed groups and militias, the AP noted.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of her signature long blonde hair and full set of blunt bangs, Swift rocked a dark brunette lob with messy waves and swooping curtain bangs parted in the middle.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
  • DeMarcus Lawrence, 33, would normally embody a potential cap casualty, but Seattle can’t easily part from his production (six sacks, two defensive touchdowns).
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Without that key step, you can’t be classified as a true star; the presence of those fusion reactions, where hydrogen gets fused into helium, separates stars from all other heavenly bodies.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Jurors were asked to decide whether Uber, through its branding and actions, led Dean to reasonably believe her driver was acting on Uber’s behalf — even though drivers are classified as independent contractors.
    Miguel Torres, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Premier Protein shake pros One serving of a Premier Protein shake contains 160 calories and 30 grams of protein, which is more than even most whey isolate protein powders, which usually have 20 to 28 grams per serving.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The individual was traveling while infectious, despite having been told to isolate, according to a Milwaukee Health Department news release.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

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