divorce 1 of 2

noun

Definition of divorcenext
as in breakup

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divorce

2 of 2

verb

as in to split
to set or force apart in your head you need to divorce your wishes and fantasies from the realities of the world as it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Vaccaro filed for divorce from Hill one day after their April 7 domestic dispute at their Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, home. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The couple finalized their divorce in February, and the following month Rodríguez sued Castellanos and her sister, Ayeicha González Castellanos, for financial mismanagement and defamation. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
The only thing that might possibly be worse than being married to Jesse Lally is divorcing Jesse Lally. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus divorced that same year. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divorce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divorce
  1. breakup
  2. split
  3. dissolution
  4. separate
  5. alienation
  6. divide
  7. severance
  8. disconnect
Noun
  • Dolphins fit: Biggers possesses the ideal height, weight and length and can get his hands in passing lanes (seven pass breakups during his collegiate career).
    — C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In theory a negative verdict could result in a company breakup.
    — Steven Levy, Wired News, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of breakup
Verb
  • But Francis also contradicted himself and split some very specific hairs regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
    — Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
  • Shortly after their divorce, Hurley announced her engagement to the Australian cricketer Shane Warne, and the couple split in 2013.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of split
Noun
  • Both judges were also accused of undermining the public’s confidence in the judiciary through their comments to The Capital Gazette and other publications, including a Baltimore Banner column calling for the Orphans’ Court’s dissolution.
    — Luke Parker, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The beginnings of the dissolution of dialogue Until 1990, American politics and government was always a raucous and contentious how-do-you-do, but ultimately a cooperative venture to one degree or another.
    — Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of dissolution
Verb
  • Start setting up your financial system by separating your personal and business finances.
    — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Rojas had been separated from his wife for about a year.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of separate
Noun
  • Mould, drummer Grant Hart, and bassist Greg Norton brought a new language of unguarded personal honesty to an early-Eighties post-hardcore scene where the default emotions were still angst and alienation.
    — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025
  • But parallel to that is this discussion of why there’s this alienation and loneliness in our society that is ostensibly filled with good, honest, hard-working people.
    — Jenelle Riley, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of alienation
Verb
  • The city is divided along sectarian lines: The south is home mostly to Sunni Muslims, while the northern neighborhoods are mostly Alawite.
    — Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Passengers are divided on the appropriateness of removing shoes during flights, citing comfort versus hygiene and safety.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of divide
Noun
  • Derby has suggested modifying certain incentives in a potential contract, including supplemental leave and severance, to ensure the new hire does not make as much.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Ray Wann, a partner and head of employment at Sheridans law firm who has represented both sides in severance negotiations, says that, based on his experience, clubs that sack a manager towards the end of their contract are more likely to pay out the full amount.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of severance
Verb
  • The extended time away allows employees to fully disconnect from workplace pressures and engage in restorative activities without the persistent distraction of pending work projects that often accompany shorter breaks.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of disconnect

Browse Nearby Words

divisions
divorce
divorced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Divorce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divorce. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on divorce

Nglish: Translation of divorce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about divorce

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