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 However, because of Jon's nix on the expansion, Will has to temporarily sever ties. Caroline Blair, People.com, 11 June 2025 Citing national security concerns, Congress passed the law last year with bipartisan support that gave ByteDance until Jan. 19 to fully sever ties with TikTok or be cut off from U.S. app stores and web-hosting services. June 17, CBS News, 17 June 2025 The shrinking financial support coincides with many companies severing ties with LGBTQ+ celebrations for Pride this year and President Trump’s efforts to squash DEI programs throughout the federal government. Nadia Lathan, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 The board severed ties with Howard’s firm in February. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sever
Verb
  • In a game where the Angels and Nationals combined for 24 runs and 30 hits — with the 19 hits and 15 runs given up by the Angels’ pitching staff representing season-worst marks — what ultimately separated the teams was the Angels’ inability to come through with runners on base.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • According to the London Times’ Philip Willan, a trade union that represents museum workers had previously warned the Uffizi about the risks posed by the platforms separating visitors from the art.
    Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The brand’s production is divided between Paris and Istanbul, the latter being a city with family ties for India.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
  • The Oval Office’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ has divided opinion, after estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found the policies would cost the poorest Americans roughly $1,600 a year while increasing the income of the wealthiest households by an average of $12,000 annually.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Plaid’s bank partnerships avoided years of licensing; TSMC’s $20B chip R&D was split with Apple/NVIDIA.
    Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The total Sovereign Grant remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive year at $108.8 million, split between $65.3 million for core funding and $43.5 million for the ongoing Buckingham Palace refurbishment project.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The women in these communities are isolated, often staying within the bounds of their villages and disconnected from global conversations.
    TrickleUp, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The New York Times, which first broke the news of Ryan's resignation, reported on Thursday that the Justice Department was pressuring Ryan to step down in order to resolve a civil rights inquiry into the university.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • In a 6-3 decision, the court did not resolve the constitutionality of one of Trump’s earliest and most provocative executive orders — a denial of birthright citizenship ensconced in the Constitution and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sever. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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