Synonyms of split

split 1 of 3

verb

ˈsplit 

1

as in to divide

to set or force apart

You should split logs now for a winter's supply of wood.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divide
• separate
• disconnect
• sever
• resolve
• divorce
• pull
• part
• isolate
• dissociate
• disassociate
• disunite
• decouple
• detach
• ramify
• uncouple
• dissever
• break up
• subdivide
• disjoin
• sunder
• disjoint
• dissect
• decompose
• unlink
• fragment
• dissolve
• cleave
• disintegrate
• bifurcate
• segment
• partition
• rip
• quarter
• unyoke
• tear
• halve
• segregate
• disassemble
• rift
• break
• break down
• bisect
• fractionate
• dichotomize
• rupture
• fracture
• cut off
• rend
• unravel
• fractionalize
• fragmentize
• trisect
• fragmentate
• insulate
• rive
• disengage
• disentangle
• seclude
• untie
• sequester

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• join
• unite
• combine
• unify
• link
• mix
• blend
• assemble
• couple
• associate
• connect
• mingle
• close
• bind
• stick
• attach
• accumulate
• knit
• fuse
• fasten
• weld
• cement
• agglutinate

2

as in to polarize

to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups

The party split over which tax policy to endorse.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divide
• polarize
• separate
• splinter
• fragment
• fracture
• alienate
• estrange
• antagonize
• embitter
• disaffect
• disgruntle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unite
• unify
• reconcile
• coalesce
• harmonize
• consolidate
• concentrate
• conciliate

split

2 of 3

noun

1

as in fissure

an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure

an earthquake left a split in the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fissure
• crevice
• rift
• crack
• cleft
• check
• gap
• fracture
• rupture
• cranny
• slit
• opening
• chink
• cut
• craze
• breach
• crevasse
• incision
• hairline
• gash

2

as in breakup

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces

the split of the group into two factions marked the beginning of the end of the organization

Synonyms & Similar Words

• breakup
• partition
• dissolution
• division
• separation
• schism
• cleavage
• bifurcation
• fractionation
• dispersion
• fractionalization
• dispersal
• distribution
• scission
• sundering
• divorce
• polarization
• rupture
• decomposition
• disunion
• subdivision
• severance
• segregation
• breach
• scattering
• segmentation
• administration
• diffusion
• apportionment
• isolation
• dismemberment
• disassembly
• dichotomization
• seclusion
• atomization
• sequestration

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• union
• unification
• association
• connection
• assemblage
• combination
• conjunction
• attachment
• link
• linkage
• consolidation
• fusion
• aggregation
• linkup

split

3 of 3

adjective

as in divided

disagreeing with each other

opinions are split on the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divided
• at odds
• at loggerheads
• disunited
• fractionated
• fractionalized
• balkanized
• cohesionless
• factious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unanimous
• undivided
• united

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

Recent Examples of split

Verb

The pair welcomed Jack in 2007 after splitting the previous year. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 14 June 2026

Ismael Saibari split the Brazilian defense off a perfect pass from the center of the field from Brahim Diaz in the 21st minute. —Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026

Noun

Kapur gave oversight of the process to a separate group of people, many of whom had worked on the earlier, smaller split. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 12 June 2026

Spelling and McDermott got married in May 2006 and announced their split in June 2023. —Robyn Merrett, InStyle, 12 June 2026

Adjective

The split base of cognac and Jamaican rum is enhanced with a touch of banana syrup, plus a splash of Boon Boona coffee bitters made by the neighboring restaurant/bar Lady Jaye. —Mark Dejoy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026

Split Squat The split squat’s staggered stance introduces a balance challenge while forcing you to work one side of your body at a time. —Jenessa Connor, Health, 10 June 2026

Phrases Containing split

• split (on)
• split hairs
• split one's sides
• split second