Synonym Chooser

How is the word sever distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sever are divide, divorce, part, separate, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

When might divide be a better fit than sever?

The synonyms divide and sever are sometimes interchangeable, but divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

When is it sensible to use divorce instead of sever?

The meanings of divorce and sever largely overlap; however, divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When could part be used to replace sever?

In some situations, the words part and sever are roughly equivalent. However, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When would separate be a good substitute for sever?

The words separate and sever are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing.

separated her personal life from her career

When can sunder be used instead of sever?

While in some cases nearly identical to sever, sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

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 sever As a result, Washington's Capital Pride Alliance has officially severed its ties with the Kennedy Center. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 These large shade trees, many along South Grand Avenue, were severed at the base or cut several feet above the pavement. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 University centers are bracing to lose their funding, which could sever the pipeline of scientists and physicians who specialize in occupational health and environmental toxicology. Will Stone, NPR, 2 May 2025 Now, President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to sever the link between academia and government by freezing billions of dollars in federal grants to top research institutions. Sarah Kreps, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sever
Verb
  • Cosmos 482 separated into four pieces, two of which remained in Earth's low orbit and decayed within 48 hours, and the other two pieces went into a higher orbit.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in the fridge, and separate the meat from the bones for easier reheating.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • On our trip to Greenville, Victor stopped at a road that divides two burial grounds in town.
    Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • What's Next Breastfeeding often divides public opinion, and will likely spark similar debates online in the future.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The song was released in 1973, only a few years after The Beatles split, highlighting how quickly the two reconnected.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • After a tumultuous on-and-off-again relationship, Tran and Brown officially split in late 2014.
    Alex Heigl, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
  • This ensures the event is as impactful and memorable as possible, rather than disconnected from the rest of your organization’s work.
    Dr. Kyle Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • However, neither group seemed to want to resolve the discrepancy between their two theories of how vertebrate palliums evolved, according to García-Moreno.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025
  • In the viral video posted by their mother, Lauren Reed, the toddlers calmly resolved an argument with a surprising amount of maturity.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sever. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sever

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