part 1 of 3

Definition of partnext

part

2 of 3

adverb

part

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point after traveling together for three weeks, we parted at Rome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When could member be used to replace part?

While in some cases nearly identical to part, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part are roughly equivalent. However, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 part
Noun
Experiments like Strachey’s were part of an explosion of postwar research on the relationship between mathematics and language, expressions of a broader fascination with the automation of knowledge, which crossed disciplines and suffused the culture. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 Investigators recovered a 9 mm SIG Sauer handgun, according to the filing, and seized electronic devices as part of the investigation. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Adverb
The enclosed chamber offers very good heat regulation with an extruder fan, a part-cooling fan, an auxiliary part-cooling fan, and a fan to regulate the chamber. PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025 François Girard’s take — part mysterious, part mystifying — on Wagner’s last opera is one of the Met’s most interesting productions of the last decade or so, and returns for the first time since its premiere in 2013. David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Verb
Cameron amicably parted ways with Pearl Jam in July 2025 after 27 years of service. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026 Brian parted ways with the Cubs during Hoby’s sophomore year. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • In a later portion of the video, sources said the person believed to be Clark can be seen reaching into the backseat of the vehicle and then shooting Vazquez, before chambering a second round and taking his own life.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • The scale has certainly been pumped up, with an obviously bigger budget, spectacular action sequences and a significant portion projected in full IMAX-level proportions.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The former couple share Zahra and daughter Lola Simon, 23.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
  • For example, TikTokers share stacked water recipes that often involve collagen powder, creatine powder, coconut water, homemade fruit juices, and electrolyte packets.
    Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Tyrique George, after a more prominent role at the beginning of the campaign, has spent his 2026 on loan at Everton and has featured consistently from the bench — but without scoring in his 10 league appearances.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The skilled staff have to wear more than one hat at this camp, everyone has multiple roles to play and multiple skill sets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Noun
  • Partly correct on raw land use — but misleading in practice.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • People see it as part of a wider pattern where affluent estate owners increasingly close off rural land, citing privacy, protection, and security concerns while gradually restricting spaces that local communities historically enjoyed.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
Adverb
  • For a less-intense view, only hike halfway up the dunes, or watch the scenery from an easily reachable perch like Piñon Flats Campground.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • Dwindling enrollment tightened the budget by $89 million halfway through this school year when the purse was already $100 million thinner than last school year.
    Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 16 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
Verb
  • The campaign now moves forward with voters weighing sharply different visions for California’s future as the primary draws closer.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • The Raiders had their worst season since moving to Las Vegas last year.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • For the first time, Division 1 of the CIF-SS playoffs is a 16-team group that was divided into four pools of four teams each.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
  • In between Biennale exhibits, here is where to eat, drink, and pull up a stool, by sestiere, the six historic districts that divide the city.
    Jenn Rice, Vogue, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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