SPLIT Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'split' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave , rend , rip , rive , and tear . While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers. // split logs for firewood

Q: When is 'cleave' a more appropriate choice than 'split'?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow. // a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

Q: When might 'rend' be a better fit than 'split'?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering. // an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

Q: When can 'rip' be used instead of 'split'?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint. // ripped the shirt on a nail

Q: When would 'rive' be a good substitute for 'split'?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use. // a political party riven by conflict

Q: When could 'tear' be used to replace 'split'?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges. // tear up the letter

split 1 of 3

verb

ˈsplit

Definition of split next

as in to divide

to set or force apart split logs for the winter's supply of wood

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split

2 of 3

noun

as in fissure

an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure an earthquake left a split in the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in breakup

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the split of the group into two factions marked the beginning of the end of the organization

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

split

3 of 3

adjective

as in divided

disagreeing with each other opinions are split on the subject

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word split different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than split?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When might rend be a better fit than split?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When can rip be used instead of split?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When would rive be a good substitute for split?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When could tear be used to replace split?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

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 split

Verb

Individual states could also start following Maine and Nebraska’s lead and split up their electoral votes rather than doing winner-take-all. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025 Hamilton and Cullen worked together for seven years before suddenly splitting just two races into the 2023 season. —

Luke Smith, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

Noun

The split comes as rumors of a breakup heightened in November after Simpson and Johnson were spotted without their wedding rings. —

Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Listen to this article The San Diego Wave’s split with Jaedyn Shaw is official. —

Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025

Adjective

In a split 5-2 decision, Montana’s top court struck down the laws under the state constitution in response to a challenge from the Montana Democratic Party and various interest groups. —

Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 Independents were more split, with 46% against ending birthright citizenship, 23% in favor of ending it and 30% not leaning one way or the other. —

Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for split

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split

Verb

The galleries are categorized according to three themes — religion, kingship, and society — and divided into historical eras: Predynastic, the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the Late Kingdom, Ptolemaic (Greek) Egypt, and the Roman period.

— Kate McMahon, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
Astrology divides the zodiac into elemental groups: Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Each element reflects a distinct set of traits and tendencies.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025

Definition of divide

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“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of split

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noun

adjective

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