SEPARATE Synonyms: 309 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'separate' different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate . While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. // separate rooms

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

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. // broke the job down into discrete stages

Q: When would 'distinct' be a good substitute for 'separate'?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. // two distinct versions

separate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-p(ə-)rət

Definition of separate next

as in different

not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

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Relevance

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as in single

not physically attached to another unit the housing development has 200 separate homes, each with its own enclosed yard

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as in independent

not being under the rule or control of another the former Soviet republic is now a separate country

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as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person the husband and wife each have separate interests

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separate

2 of 2

verb

ˈse-pə-ˌrāt

as in to divide

to set or force apart we tried to separate the gluey pages, but they were stuck tight

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as in to part

to go or move in different directions from a central point the searchers separated in order to cover more ground

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as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type separate the students by reading ability

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as in to isolate

to set or keep apart from others separated the injured calf from the herd

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as in to differentiate

to understand or point out the difference in trying to separate science from religion on one specific point

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word separate different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

When could discrete be used to replace separate?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When would distinct be a good substitute for separate?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

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 separate

Adjective

The original plan was for separate coaching assignments, which is to say Team Canada was going to name a head coach for 4 Nations and then wait a year and decide on the Olympic coach. —

Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 While creating a trust for estate planning purposes is a legitimate way to minimize estate taxes, the reciprocal trust doctrine espouses that taxpayers cannot use two separate, yet essentially identical, trusts to skirt those taxes. —

Darren T. Case, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Verb

The House and Senate had passed legislation by large bipartisan majorities requiring the platform to separate itself from its Chinese owner or to shut down in this country. —

David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024 Hannity and Rhodes did not publicly confirm their divorce until earlier that month but had reportedly separated years prior. —

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for separate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate

Adjective

While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.

Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Dec. 2024
When looking at the fascinating, though wildly different, women that appeared on some of the most-read Glamour covers of 2024, one thing is clear: honest storytelling was the unifying theme.

Glamour, Glamour, 28 Dec. 2024