divide 1 of 2

Definition of dividenext
1
2
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point The group divided based on those who wanted to go swimming and those who didn't.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to polarize
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups Opinions about the war divided people who are otherwise likeminded.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divide

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divide are divorce, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

In what contexts can divorce take the place of divide?

The words divorce and divide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When can part be used instead of divide?

While in some cases nearly identical to divide, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When would separate be a good substitute for divide?

In some situations, the words separate and divide 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 might sever be a better fit than divide?

The words sever and divide can be used in similar contexts, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

When is sunder a more appropriate choice than divide?

While the synonyms sunder and divide are close in meaning, 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 divide
Verb
Netflix defines a view as total hours viewed divided by total runtime. Joe Otterson, Variety, 13 May 2026 Spencer Pratt's run for Mayor of Los Angeles has divided Hollywood with celebrities like Paris Hilton, Kristin Cavallari, Billy Bush and more choosing sides as the reality star’s campaign continues to gain traction. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
Because the fuel tax is governed by federal law, Congress would need to approve any suspension — a high hurdle given Washington's partisan divide and the approaching Midterm elections. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 May 2026 The comments illustrate a divide on the use of AI for Holocaust remembrance and education. Toby Axelrod, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for divide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide
Verb
  • Diaz’s face was split open by the end of the second round, the canvas looked like a crime scene and Perry stormed around the cage afterward, demanding a fight with Paul while fans stood on chairs trying to film the madness below them.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
  • There’s a whole-house generator, central AC/heat, and mini-splits to keep things feeling comfortable no matter the weather.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Becca Sobol reached base safely in all five at-bats in a well-rounded offensive showing that separated from a 4-4 game after five innings.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026
  • Just lay one between each plate to separate them for neat and quiet storage.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The dispute has also been tied to retention, with discontent feeding concerns that talent may leave for SK Hynix, Samsung’s aggressive memory rival.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • There is no formal system for resolving disputes over impressions, and performers often avoid escalating them publicly — Hammond among them.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The university's newspaper The Daily Nexus reported that campus crime rates have been on the rise since 2022 — with more reports of rape, dating violence and stalking.
    Bethany Brown, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • Vista Avenue has seen a sharp rise in serious injury crashes, with six in 2024 and four in 2025 — up from three in 2023 and two in 2022, according to the city of Boise.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Guests with work obligations, caregiving responsibilities or health considerations may not be able to fully disconnect, and most properties offer at least limited emergency communication options.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
  • Cars are rolling computers, and disconnecting a battery with the engine running can cause a host of expensive electrical issues.
    John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • To complement her classically chic ensemble, Apple wore her hair straight and parted in the middle (reminiscent of her mom's signature style) along with smoky, winged liner and a rosy lipstick shade.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • The sides parted on good terms, and Morey is expected to seek other NBA front-office opportunities in the future.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • People with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, rectal bleeding, heart disease, or high blood pressure should also avoid the procedure, Hazan says.
    Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026
  • But there are fissures in the-- in the regime.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Property investment in the country has nearly halved since its peak in 2021.
    Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • This time around, many of his most popular singles reach new peak positions, and several others manage to finally become wins on the rundowns.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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