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 pair would split three years later. Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 Bassetti, who was born near Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy and splits his time between Paris and Rome, learned the ropes of TV production in Milan. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
The two split just last month after three years together. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2025 Trump himself had urged Americans to go buy Tesla vehicles before the split occurred. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Remember, split camp last winter. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Combs' trial began in May and ended in a split verdict on July 2. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • The grand jury that approved the charges against Comey was divided, as 14 of the 23 jurors approved the two counts, just over the necessary 12-vote threshold.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
  • It is calculated by dividing the ‘progress’ (the distance the ball travelled towards the opponent’s goal line) by the ‘sequence time’ (the duration of the sequence).
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This invisible, climate-polluting gas can escape into the water through fissures in the sea floor, often revealing itself with a stream of bubbles weaving their way up to the ocean surface.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Johanon's remarks centered on the fissures in society.
    Detroit Free Press staff, Freep.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Thomas had two pass breakups in addition to his interception.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Although both sides said the right things publicly, a breakup between Williams and the Hornets was inevitable after the trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February got rescinded, and Williams acknowledged as much during his media day session in Phoenix.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Fed’s decision-making seems more delicate — and more divided — than it’s been in years.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • This includes the minutes of last month's meeting, released Wednesday afternoon, which painted a picture of a divided Fed.
    Sean Conlon,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just when things appeared to cool down and players were separated, another skirmish occurred near the bleachers.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Tocchet tried playing the two of them together in camp, in practices and in the preseason games, but separated them for the final preseason game and for Monday’s practice.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To avoid the penalty and still take advantage, teams are piling their biggest and most powerful defenders around the edges of the long snapper and using the crevices around a mostly stationary player to get into position for the block.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Lastly, swap in the crevice tool for corners and other hard-to-reach areas, especially spots under furniture, that usually require bending over or getting down on your hands and knees.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 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, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on split

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