DIVORCE Synonyms: 175 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'divorce' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divorce are divide , part , separate , sever , and sunder . While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together. // cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

Q: When is 'divide' a more appropriate choice than 'divorce'?

The words divide and divorce can be used in similar contexts, but divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking. // civil war divided the nation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'part' instead of 'divorce'?

While the synonyms part and divorce are close in meaning, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association. // vowed never to part

Q: When could 'separate' be used to replace 'divorce'?

In some situations, the words separate and divorce 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

Q: When can 'sever' be used instead of 'divorce'?

The synonyms sever and divorce are sometimes interchangeable, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member. // a severed limb

Q: In what contexts can 'sunder' take the place of 'divorce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to divorce , sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart. // a city sundered by racial conflict

divorce 1 of 2

noun

Definition of divorce next

as in breakup

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divorce

2 of 2

verb

as in to split

to set or force apart in your head you need to divorce your wishes and fantasies from the realities of the world as it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divorce distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divorce are divide, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When is divide a more appropriate choice than divorce?

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

civil war divided the nation

When is it sensible to use part instead of divorce?

While the synonyms part and divorce are close in meaning, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When could separate be used to replace divorce?

In some situations, the words separate and divorce 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 can sever be used instead of divorce?

The synonyms sever and divorce are sometimes interchangeable, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

In what contexts can sunder take the place of divorce?

While in some cases nearly identical to divorce, sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

Examples 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 divorce

Noun

Interestingly, Lori’s mother, Susan, later married Philip’s father, Fayez, after her divorce from Krohn, making their kids stepchildren as well as spouses. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024 Following their divorce, The Stand actress wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in 2018 about her experiences with domestic abuse. —

Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

The couple had twin sons in 1997, and divorced in 2018. —

Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024 The two married, then later divorced, with no fanfare in front of the camera. —

Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for divorce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divorce

Noun

Instead of fixating on the peaks (the unforgettable highs) or the end (the breakup or final moments), try to focus on the entire relationship.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
These events and growing creative differences amongst the group contributed to the breakup.

Skyler Trepel, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024