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
In 2019, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government split the former state into two union territories, giving the government in New Delhi greater control over the Muslim-majority region. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 As with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings). Xander Zellner, Billboard, 14 May 2025
Noun
Earlier this month, Bristowe reflected on her 2018 split from ex Shawn Booth and acknowledged her own role in their breakup during an episode of her podcast. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The new tour follows decades of tension between the brothers, who last performed together during Oasis’ 2009 tour before an infamous backstage blow-up in Paris led to the band’s split. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The two then fought to a split draw in a September 2023 scrap. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 Many progressives remain split over the 2024 presidential election, including how the party handled questions about Biden's acuity while in office. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • What's Next Breastfeeding often divides public opinion, and will likely spark similar debates online in the future.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • On our trip to Greenville, Victor stopped at a road that divides two burial grounds in town.
    Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • But his return to center stage—or at least his self-invitation to it—is showing the fissures in a party that hasn’t fully decided if Biden is friend or foe, the party elder who stepped aside or the has-been who didn’t know when to exit.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 8 May 2025
  • This case exposes a wide fissure in the foundation.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • In the last three years, Showering has had no shortage of such big moments—the birth of her child, a breakup, the loss of two grandmothers, a move from London to rural Somerset.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 8 May 2025
  • Anne, a pet parent living in France, recently went through a breakup, which led to her ex-boyfriend moving out of the apartment.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jewish voters are more divided, with Cuomo leading at 26 percent, followed by Lander (17 percent), Mamdani (14 percent) and Adams (10 percent).
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • The responses were more divided in Denmark — with 39% opposed and 36% in favor — and in Spain, with 45% opposed and 37% in favor.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Cosmos 482 separated into four pieces, two of which remained in Earth's low orbit and decayed within 48 hours, and the other two pieces went into a higher orbit.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in the fridge, and separate the meat from the bones for easier reheating.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Plus, there’s a crevice tool and smaller hair screw tool attachments that can be used as a handheld vac to get pet hair in hard-to-reach places.
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 3 May 2025
  • Make sure to cover every surface of the plant, especially on the undersides of leaves and in crevices between stems.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed the two countries went to war over Kashmir within a year of the partition of India soon after the creation of Pakistan.
    Ayesha Jalal, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
  • The partition of colonial India established a secular, Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
  • This ensures the event is as impactful and memorable as possible, rather than disconnected from the rest of your organization’s work.
    Dr. Kyle Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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