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 San Jose would not be the first city to sever its relationship with the nonprofit. Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025 Notably, one of Jay’s fingers has been severed. Selome Hailu, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025 Elisabeth and Prudence had also felt betrayed by the decision of Rupert and Lachlan to sue them and James without warning in a probate court in Reno, Nevada, to try to sever them from any influence over the company's future. David Folkenflik, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025 Overreliance on technology threatens to sever the pipeline that develops future experts, leaving critical gaps in both skills and perspective. Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sever
Verb
  • But that isn’t separating Texans from their steaks.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Gray loves Catrice Hyper Lash Mascara, which separates lashes for definition, length, volume, and curl.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While Towanda plans the wedding of her dreams, the family is rocked by medical emergencies, explosive emotional confrontations, and the fallout from a public scandal that threatens to divide them for good.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
    Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Anderson classification system for turf toe is split into three grades.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Plans also call for remodeling the existing southern section into 3,700 square feet of additional commercial space, split evenly between two storefronts.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The announcement did not specify when the business would shutter, but when The Denver Post called on Friday morning, the number had already been disconnected.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Good customer service platforms will also use AI to listen in on conversations and provide human agents with data and prompts to quickly answer questions and resolve problems.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • San Diego City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell has admitted violating city record-keeping rules during her 2022 re-election campaign and agreed to pay a $300 fine to resolve the case brought by the San Diego Ethics Commission.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sever. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sever

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