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 But when Emily realizes her mistake and tries to sever ties, Carlo refuses to let go – exposing their secret, sabotaging her personal and professional life, and threatening everything she’s built. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 July 2025 This immediately severs the contractual and salary arrangement between the league and Duong, reportedly worth between $250k and $300k per year (depending on your source). Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 On June 11, a 9-year-old girl snorkeling off the coast of Boca Grande, Florida, on the state's Gulf Coast, sustained a gruesome shark bite that nearly severed her hand. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025 The torpedo’s explosion ignited ammunition in the New Orleans’ forward ammunition magazine, severing the first 20% of the 588-foot warship and killing more than 180 of its 900 crew members, records state. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sever
Verb
  • Court began as a campus summer program in the 1950s but was professionalized and somewhat separated from the university by the late Nicholas Rudall, who led the theater for decades prior to his retirement.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
  • Now, the digital operation sits at the heart of TNT Sports’ ambitions as the outfit transforms its portfolio of game rights and prepares for a 2026 split that will separate Warner Bros.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Hamilton County residents are divided on the new lease terms for Paycor Stadium.
    Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • The California health system has divided his former positions amongst Michael Condrin (interim CEO) and Dr. Bruce Lee Hall (interim vice chancellor of human health sciences).
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The experts split into teams representing the U.S. and China, and each side was armed with the weapons that its country is thought to possess.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • If their parents died, the sisters would split their inheritance.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • For young people often disconnected from professional networks or mentors, Dream Reach Inspire aims to close that gap, one relationship at a time.
    Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Once leadership alignment is resolved, P&L performance accelerates—often within a single quarter.
    Carrie Moore, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • In cases against another person or business, people are often trying to win damages, which can get complicated as judges resolve who deserves a share of the money and how much.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sever. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sever

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