split 1 of 3

split

2 of 3

noun

split

3 of 3

adjective

as in divided
disagreeing with each other opinions are split on the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word split different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than split?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When might rend be a better fit than split?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When can rip be used instead of split?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When would rive be a good substitute for split?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When could tear be used to replace split?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

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 split
Verb
Opinions are still split as to when things will eventually come good. Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Then, in the second half of 2026, the industrial conglomerate will split its remaining automation and aerospace businesses into separate companies. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
The news sparked rumors the pair were headed for a split and a source told PEOPLE at the time that the rocker had retained a divorce attorney before announcing the news. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 The wedding follows Baumgartner's split from Costner, 70, two years ago. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The split-toe design of the Carbitex plate allows your foot to move naturally, resulting in a powerful and efficient stride. Will Porter, Outside, 17 Oct. 2025 The saddle features a split seat, the back half of which can be used as a fold-up backrest or additional room for a passenger. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • Senate Republicans are trying to divide Democrats on Thursday with a vote that would pay government workers deemed essential who are working without pay during the shutdown.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In the trailer, Whitney drops the bomb that she is set to start her own MomTok, as the group continues to be divided.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This magma chamber beneath the lake charges the maar with millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which seeps up through fissures in the lake floor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Crews discovered fissures in the bedrock that required repair and struggled to find grips strong enough to hold cars on the steep grade.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At the very least, a major influx of new cast members are bound to shake up the series third season, which will pick after the dramatic killing of a beloved character, the arrest of another, and the breakup between two more.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Cam Hart had a breakup near the goal line.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was still a pariah state, recognized only by Turkey; Nicosia was still Europe’s last divided capital.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But Burns also doesn’t take the conventional wisdom that the America of today is more divided than at any other point since the Revolution.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The game at Paycom Center was a tight affair, with very little to separate the two teams.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But during their kiss, police swooped in to clear the crowd and wound up separating McSweeney from her kissing partner.
    Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • No trail, just rock after rock, a phantom rattlesnake curled in every crevice.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Most vacuums are fit for the job with an attachment suited for getting into small crevices.
    Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The traditional layout of closed, hierarchical office spaces has been replaced with an open office concept featuring glass partitions and bright, interconnected rooms, to encourage team collaboration.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The fraught history of Syrian-Israeli relations Following the United Nations’ partition of Palestine in 1947 and the proclamation of the state of Israel in 1948, a coalition of five Arab armies, including Syria, declared war on Israel and lost the ensuing conflict.
    Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The front sink was blocked by waste and the ware wash sink was disconnected from the drain pipe.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Some destinations lend themselves particularly well to disconnecting.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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