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
The islands that split traffic going in and out of the roundabout mean pedestrians have fewer lanes to cross at a time because the crosswalks cross those islands. Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025 And there are lots of hairs to split here. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Babygirl star and the four-time Grammy winner have been living apart since the early summer, according to TMZ, which first reported news of the split. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 According to the divorce docs, Kidman and the Aussie hitmaker must wait 90 days before their legal split can take effect following a final court appearance. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Their split confused fans as just two days prior, Stokes posted a birthday shout-out to Ballerini on his Instagram featuring photos of the two of them together as well as some of her on her own. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025 In 1989, the Free Press and the Detroit News entered into the nation's largest joint-operating agreement, a 100-year deal to share business operations and split profits — but with separate and competitive editorial staffs. Detroit Free Press, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • See how commonwealth compares to other states The classic Halloween symbol is also great at dividing the masses.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Taiwan’s tender architecture is divided into two parts for 2026 and 2027.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rocks have tiny fissures into which water can seep; when the temperature drops, the water expands into ice, exerting pressure and widening the cracks.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The fissure became apparent in 2020, when Rowling penned an infamous essay detailing her concerns about trans activism and what the author says is its conflict with women’s rights.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In videos shared to the meteor society and to local TV outlets, the satellite’s breakup appeared dramatic but serene, moving slowly across the sky and trailing glowing fragments for several seconds.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Scott was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season and had two pass breakups, six tackles and 1½ tackles for loss prior to sustaining a lower leg injury in a Week 3 game against Western Michigan.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their creation was a milestone of global unity which stands in stark contrast to today’s more divided world.
    Sebastian Buckup, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
  • What's more, as this 2014 review details, scientists remain divided on just how ACV interacts with glucose and lipid metabolic processes.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These are the cases that break models in deployment—and the cases that separate an adequate system from a production-ready one.
    Brian Moore, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With parishioners running to hide or get out of the building, Carter and Max were pushed up against a glass window separating the chapel from the foyer, which led to an exit.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Use a microfiber or soft cloth to wipe the seals with soapy water, making sure to get into any crevices.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Due to high humidity levels, mold can sneakily build up in bathroom corners and crevices.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is a partition between the driving cab and the main cabin.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • When visits were eventually permitted, they were limited to 10–20 minutes behind glass partitions.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • City records point toward demolition City records, however, show that the company filed for and, on Tuesday, received a permit to disconnect the city water line, often a precursor to demolition.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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