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split

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of split

(Entry 1 of 3)

to set or force apart

split logs for the winter's supply of wood

Synonyms for split

Words Related to split

Near Antonyms for split

connect,
couple

Antonyms for split

split

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of split (Entry 2 of 3)

1 an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure

an earthquake left a split in the ground

Synonyms for split

Words Related to split

crevasse

craze,
hairline

fracture,
rupture

2 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 for split

Words Related to split

breach,
rupture

divorce,
severance

Near Antonyms for split

Antonyms for split

unification,
union

split

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of split (Entry 3 of 3)

disagreeing with each other

opinions are split on the subject

Synonyms for split

disunited,
divided

Words Related to split

Phrases Synonymous with split

Antonyms for split

Frequently Asked Questions About split

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