Synonym Chooser

How is the word sunder distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sunder are divide, divorce, part, separate, and sever. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

When is it sensible to use divide instead of sunder?

The words divide and sunder can be used in similar contexts, but divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

When would divorce be a good substitute for sunder?

The words divorce and sunder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When can part be used instead of sunder?

The synonyms part and sunder are sometimes interchangeable, but part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When is separate a more appropriate choice than sunder?

Although the words separate and sunder have much in common, separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing.

separated her personal life from her career

Where would sever be a reasonable alternative to sunder?

The meanings of sever and sunder largely overlap; however, sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

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 sunder Political disputes have sundered families ‒ some siblings are no longer talking ‒ and heartless or thoughtless social media posts can bring people to tears. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2024 In the months before Oct. 7, Israeli society was sundered by his support of right-wing legislation diminishing the power of the Supreme Court. Eric Cortellessa/jerusalem, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024 Dissonant brass chords sundered the hall’s warm air like lightning. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2024 Kim is intent on sundering the U.S.–South Korea alliance. Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for sunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sunder
Verb
  • Focused on expanding their notorious drug and money laundering organization outside of Detroit, their strained relationship has left the brothers divided.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The idea of a playing captain, something not seen since Arnold Palmer led and competed in 1963, has divided opinion across the golf world.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Jose Peralta School of Dreamers in Queens, and her mom were separated from her 19-year-old brother during an immigration check-in on Tuesday at 26 Federal Plaza, according to the family and their advocates.
    Cayla Bamberger, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Workers separated lockers from walls as part of their efforts to dry the floors, and put books and other soaked materials onto plastic tarps to dry.
    Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Hudson was split between two buildings this year to accommodate quick enrollment growth, with sixth grade students attending class in one location, while seventh and eighth grade students attend another.
    Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • There are no plans to split off linear television since CBS is doing well and Par’s cable assets are a smaller percentage of its overall business now than at Comcast or WBD.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Give yourself permission to disconnect from the noise.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • One wrong move and the spinal cord could be severed.
    Sophia Li, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025
  • What is clear is that India’s oil lifeline from Russia and deep ties will not be severed easily, no matter how hard Washington pushes.
    Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sunder. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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