divorce 1 of 2

Definition of divorcenext

divorce

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divorce distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divorce are divide, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When is divide a more appropriate choice than divorce?

The words divide and divorce can be used in similar contexts, but divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

When is it sensible to use part instead of divorce?

While the synonyms part and divorce are close in meaning, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When could separate be used to replace divorce?

In some situations, the words separate and divorce 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 can sever be used instead of divorce?

The synonyms sever and divorce are sometimes interchangeable, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

In what contexts can sunder take the place of divorce?

While in some cases nearly identical to divorce, 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 divorce
Noun
Kim filed for divorce and changed the locks on her house. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026 The pair were married for 11 years before finalizing their divorce in 1982. Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Verb
The two married the following year and eventually would have three children before divorcing in 1975. Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 May 2026 El Gamal and Soliman divorced in April. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for divorce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divorce
Noun
  • Hannah agrees and spends months avoiding Garrett on campus — despite Garrett finding her at every possible moment and questioning her about the breakup.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • In even fewer cases, a couple of months after the breakup during the joint bachelor and bachelorette party, the groom-to-be is spotted out at a professional bull riding event with one of his ex's would-be bridesmaids.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
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
Noun
  • The researchers found that the cities’ chemical microenvironments increase calcite dissolution.
    Damien Pine, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
  • McMahon's first words to the committee, after the usual thank-you's, were a flag-planting for the department's forceful dissolution.
    Cory Turner, NPR, 14 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
  • And this sense of mutual alienation, of being neither here nor there, that Franny and Elliott live with suggests that the political is no longer seen from a potentially abstract place and finally bleeds into realm of the personal.
    Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
  • The case spurred scrutiny of Utah's family court system and reunification practices and sparked debates about parental alienation and how allegations of child abuse are investigated.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Top with 4 scallions, thinly sliced, dividing evenly, and drizzle toasted sesame oil over if desired.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
  • The rooms The property is divided into two towers that are connected by a sky bridge.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • According to the agreement, public money cannot fund the severance payment.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
  • Downs later sued the county alleging he was owed more than $488,000 in severance and unpaid compensation.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 19 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

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Cite this Entry

“Divorce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divorce. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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