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 There was the Algerian War, there was a lot of abuse, there was a lot of suffering, and today, relations between France and Algeria are severed. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 However, this balance is unexpectedly shattered when a sudden rupture severs those connections, scattering their remnant powers across the land in the form of Anima. David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Some faculty said Chapman was too slow to sever ties with John Eastman, the law professor who was indicted for his role in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025 It was severed from an injunction lawsuit, which seeks to prevent future efforts to split the Keller district. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sever
Verb
  • With more devices brought into Michigan classrooms in recent years, educators have found ways to separate students from their phones during class time.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Formed from a $46 billion merger, the food company is expected to separate in the second half of 2026.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But if your peonies are flowering less over time or nearby plants are encroaching on their growing space, dividing them in fall is one simple solution.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Every Democrat in the chamber supported the legislation while Republicans were evenly divided.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Others view it as a brazen attempt to split up Kansas City’s minority voters.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That resulted in a hung parliament split between the National Rally, the left-wing New Popular Front, and Macron’s Renaissance bloc.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In videos of performances since the incident, McRae appears to have resolved the issue by wearing heels with straps.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That transfer from Al Nassr did not go through on deadline day, and Athletic are still trying to resolve that situation.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sever. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sever

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