dissect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dissect distinct from other similar verbs?

The words analyze and break down are common synonyms of dissect. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

When might analyze be a better fit than dissect?

The words analyze and dissect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

When can break down be used instead of dissect?

The meanings of break down and dissect largely overlap; however, break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

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 dissect Scientists have dissected the left eye of a juvenile humpback and revealed the species’ eyesight is weaker than biologists previously suspected. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025 With a career that spanned 70 years, there are no shortage of facts about Frank Lloyd Wright to dissect. Carrie Hojnicki, Architectural Digest, 21 May 2025 Fans have been dissecting their lyrics and digging for easter eggs for months now, and it’s become less about trying to learn the band’s identity and more about engaging in the world Sleep Token is building. Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 20 May 2025 Not every actor has the confidence to call it and to dissect where the moment had gone wrong. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dissect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissect
Verb
  • When something doesn’t work, don’t punish the misstep—analyze the inputs, refine the process, and reuse the insight.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Wilson said the cost of deferred infrastructure maintenance in La Jolla would be substantial, though it hadn’t been analyzed yet.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The researchers also examined more than 2,700 genomes of modern plague samples from Asia, Africa, and North and South America.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
  • The researchers examined data from the U.S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network between 2004 and 2022.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissect. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dissect

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