divide 1 of 2

verb

də-ˈvīd How to pronounce divide (audio)
Definition of dividenext
1
as in to split
to set or force apart volunteers divided the donated groceries into several dozen piles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point the group divided based on those who wanted to go swimming and those who didn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divide

2 of 2

noun

1
as in dispute

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divide are divorce, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

In what contexts can divorce take the place of divide?

The words divorce and divide 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 divide?

While in some cases nearly identical to divide, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When would separate be a good substitute for divide?

In some situations, the words separate and divide are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When might sever be a better fit than divide?

The words sever and divide can be used in similar contexts, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

When is sunder a more appropriate choice than divide?

While the synonyms sunder and divide are close in meaning, sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

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 divide
Verb
Chris Collingwood, who divided songwriting duties in FOW with Schlesinger and handled all the lead vocals, will be back as frontman for the new dates after 12 years of dormancy for the group, which split up well before the 2020 death of Schlesinger. —Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 The House is pursuing one massive package, while the Senate plans to divide its work into two. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
The immigration issue has emerged as an ideological divide. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025 Around the end of February or early March is a good time to dig, divide and replant caladiums as the weather becomes more consistently warm. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide
  1. split
  2. separate
  3. dispute
  4. rise
  5. disconnect
  6. part
  7. fissure
  8. peak
Verb
  • The two funds still split 42% of the stock, with a current market value of $650 million.
    — Matt Schifrin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Peterson played six seasons in the NFL, splitting his tenure between the Rams and the Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2021.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of split
Verb
  • The January Starship mishap occurred over the North Atlantic after the 171-foot (52-meter) Starship separated from the Super Heavy rocket booster that hauled it toward space.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • After Ruby’s arrest, Kevin, who had been separated from his wife for a year, filed for divorce and began seeking to regain custody of his four children.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of separate
Noun
  • The network brought a federal lawsuit and a judge quickly sided with CNN in the dispute on due process grounds, leading the White House to back down from the legal fight.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
  • According to one source, Heath has said that the interaction exemplifies the way acts of kindness have been weaponized against himself, Baldoni, and others in the dispute.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The heartfelt homage showcased childhood and family photos, eventually tracing the boy band’s rise to international superstardom since its inception on The X Factor U.K. in 2010.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
  • This rise in migration has also led to a backlash against migrants in destination countries, including the United States.
    — Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of rise
Verb
  • The Library Master Plan adopted unanimously by the city highlights that without investments, these vital technology services could become unreliable or inaccessible and could leave vulnerable populations further disconnected.
    — Patrick Stewart, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
  • And since so many of us rely on our phones to disconnect, know that cyber activities show mixed results.
    — Paula Davis, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of disconnect
Verb
  • Her makeup consisted of blush, a smokey eyeshadow look and her signature lined lips, while her hair was styled in a layered blowout parted in the middle.
    — Michelle Lee, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Make like Kendall Jenner and into the nature of this updo by parting the front section and loosening strands strategically.
    — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of part
Noun
  • The lava river traces to a fissure at the base of the volcano’s Bocca Nuova crater, according to a report from the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program. Landsat 8, a collaboration between NASA and the United States Geological Survey, was launched in 2013.
    — Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Rectal bleeding: Minor rectal bleeding is possible if a hard stool causes any anal fissures (small tears) in the rectal lining.
    — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Create a schedule that puts my most important work during my peak performance hours.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • None of these players have had the peak impact of a Stastny but the long-term value proposition is higher because Winnipeg signed them when the time came.
    — Murat Ates, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of peak

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Cite this Entry

“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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