separation

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce separation (audio)
Synonyms of separationnext
1
: the act or process of separating : the state of being separated
2
a
: a point, line, or means of division
b
: an intervening space : gap
the separation between wheel spokes
3
a
: cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement or judicial decree
b
: termination of a contractual relationship (such as employment or military service)

Synonyms of separation

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Examples of separation in a Sentence

After a separation of 30 years, she visited her family in Cuba. Moving away meant separation from his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But his dominance in the second quarter gave the Hawks complete separation from the Celtics. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026 The proximity of the two cities at times accentuated, rather than ameliorated, the family’s sense of separation. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 For Flight 13, Super Heavy's main objectives will be the successful launch and separation from the Ship upper stage, a complete boostback burn and a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 July 2026 Following its separation from the city, GLAZA executives hope the nonprofit can work in the animal conservation efforts in Southern California. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for separation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of separation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing separation

Rhymes for separation

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Browse Nearby Words

separatio bonorum
separation
separation anxiety
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Separation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separation. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

separation

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌsep-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce separation (audio)
1
: the act or process of separating : the state of being separated
2
a
: a point or line of division
b
: a space that comes between things : gap
the separation between wheel spokes
3
a
: a formal separating of spouses by agreement but without divorce
b
: the ending of a relationship that is bound by a contract (as employment or military service)

Medical Definition

separation

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌsep-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce separation (audio)
1
: the process of isolating or extracting from or of becoming isolated from a mixture
also : the resulting state
2
: dislocation see shoulder separation

Legal Definition

separation

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce separation (audio)
1
: cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement with intent that it be permanent
also : legal separation compare divorce

Note: In some cases in which the estrangement is extreme, a separation is considered to have occurred even when the couple retain the same residence if they have stopped communicating and engaging in sexual relations and intend to be separated.

2
: termination of a contractual relationship (as employment or military service)

More from Merriam-Webster on separation

Nglish: Translation of separation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separation

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