separate 1 of 2

Definition of separatenext
1
as in different
not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in single
not physically attached to another unit the housing development has 200 separate homes, each with its own enclosed yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

separate

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to part
to go or move in different directions from a central point the searchers separated in order to cover more ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
6
as in to split
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups The controversy separated the company's leadership into competing sides.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word separate different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

When could discrete be used to replace separate?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When would distinct be a good substitute for separate?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

How is the word separate different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

When could discrete be used to replace separate?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When would distinct be a good substitute for separate?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

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 separate
Adjective
In addition, there are separate lists for typhoons in the western Pacific and tropical cyclones in Australia and the Indian Ocean. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 For years, the town has had a separate special use permit to manage recreation in the Peninsula Recreation Area, which is also situated on forest service land and includes an extensive trail network for both winter and summer recreation. John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
While first stage successfully separated, the second stage engine did not get it into orbit. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 The Orion capsule will separate from the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, or ICPS, three hours and 23 minutes after launch. William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • Lee Clay Johnson’s Bloodline and Carl Hiaasen’s Fever Beach answer that question in different, equally impressive ways.
    Francine Prose, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Lemon said that might no longer be a dealbreaker for some candidates, but feels that as a Black man, he’d be held to a different standard.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Korean’s quartet of assists was one shy of the MLS single-game record set by Lionel Messi last year, and established a new high for LAFC.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • This could extend to single-serve snacks in the car while out running errands.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Will the American people have faith any longer that any investigation can be independent and free of partisanship?
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Getting an independent lawyer would help city lawyers avoid a conflict of interest.
    Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Brooks is still wont to assume that social crises are a function of our personal habits, not economic or political injustice, and his methodological tics are the same as ever.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Wacha kept the Braves off the scoreboard while Salvador Perez provided the offense, hitting his first homer of the season and snapping a personal 15-inning scoreless streak.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The site is being divided into several parcels, one destined for a Yokohama-like building with an attached hotel, another for housing, a third for shipping perishable freight.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Polls show the nation is sharply divided over the issue of American citizenship for newborn children of unauthorized immigrants.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Trever parts his hair to the right while his brother styles his combover to the left.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • After liftoff, some Michiganders may catch a Florida rocket shoot into space from southeast Michigan skies, if clouds part in time.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The fire is classified as accidental.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • By classifying sports betting as a public health issue and imposing rigid federal standards, the proposal also significantly limits the autonomy of the states, which have been primarily responsible for the legalization and regulation of this sector since 2018.
    Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Inspectors found that a detainee showing symptoms of TB was not isolated, posing a potential risk to others.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Mel is adrift after getting fired from her job as a therapist and isolated from her friend group due to Coop and Sam’s (Olivia Munn) affair.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on separate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster