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
America split up Huda and Jeremiah by pairing him with Iris, and Jeremiah was eventually voted out by his friends, sparking backlash from fans over Ace’s influence on the guys. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 The band split in 1986, but Lynne marched on as a solo act and producer. Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 July 2025
Noun
The Royals are expected to play Grichuk against left-handed pitching due to his strong splits. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2025 Sales dropped in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, but edged higher in the West, with year-over-year changes mirroring these splits. Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 July 2025
Adjective
But this 100% cotton design is graceful and all grown-up, featuring split corners, decorative stitching, and a tidy silhouette. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025 In his most recent outing, which came in November, Barrios fought Abel Ramos to a split draw to retain the belt. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • The preliminary plat shows the larger 61-acre parcel divided into three phases with a mix of retail uses and two apartment complexes.
    Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
  • There may be more that unites the two groups than divides them.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Winning tends to mask or mend fissures in any group, of course.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
  • And the fissure over Jeffrey Epstein disclosures has exposed a slip in Trump’s grip on the GOP.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Field negotiated a $1 billion breakup fee in case the deal was blocked.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • We’re reminded of this via a flashback of the pair’s breakup, which is from so long ago that the clip is in a totally different aspect ratio.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As America has become more divided politically and economically, and the rate of technological change has accelerated, there is something comforting and unchallenging about Morgan’s tales of minor indignities, something that reminds people of how much everyone has in common.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 24 July 2025
  • Charges against Mitchell were a point of contention in a divided Senate during the last two legislative sessions.
    Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The nights following each new moon phase will see the line separating night from day on the lunar surface creep inexorably westward.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • What separates book club and your memories of school reading class is that it’s supposed to be fun.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This suggests the new dwarf gecko is not strictly a cave-dweller, but rather, a species that requires narrow rock crevices to shelter.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
  • To prevent ants from entering a home: Walk around the outside of the home and locate potential entry points (cracks, crevices, spaces around windows and doors).
    Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Each minority's calculation is stark: accept promises from a former jihadist commander or seek arrangements that could accelerate Syria's partition.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • For shelving or partitions that aren't removable, get gritty with it.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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