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

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 divorce

Noun

At the time of the shooting, the couple’s divorce was pending, according to prosecutors. —

Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025 The ripple effects Alev mentions are stark with 12% of respondents report that sports betting has directly contributed to their divorce or separation from their partner. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Feb. 2025

Verb

In a cover story for Vanity Fair in March 2023, Gisele gave the true reason why the two divorced. —

Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025 The Willowbrook’s ambience encouraged senior citizens who had been widowed or divorced not to despair. —

Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for divorce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divorce

Noun

The bride also claimed that her stepsister tried to get involved with her ex-boyfriend after their breakup in 2020.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
The country's space program survived the breakup of the Soviet Union a quarter of a century ago by partnering with the West.

— Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025