separate 1 of 2

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

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

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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

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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.

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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

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 a separate post on Monday (July 21), Blunts then hit the studio to record an official diss record aimed at the Power mogul. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 23 July 2025 Mitochondria—the organelles in our cells responsible for generating energy—are likely the product of an ancient symbiosis with a distant ancestor and a microbe, and have their own separate DNA. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
Verb
Court began as a campus summer program in the 1950s but was professionalized and somewhat separated from the university by the late Nicholas Rudall, who led the theater for decades prior to his retirement. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 The team's research also suggests that the fact these three clusters appear close together in the night sky over Earth, despite being widely separated in the cosmos, may be more than a mere coincidence. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • And in a different carousel of photos, which Justin shared on Friday, the singer once again cozied up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her in what appeared to be candid shots.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • The Enquirer tried to contact ICE spokespeople via two different emails, separately contacted the Detroit field office, and requested any reports related to the alleged prank.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • The deduction is completely phased out for single filers earning above $150,000 and married couples with incomes above $250,000.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • All proceeds of the single will benefit the National Museum of African American Music.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • One way for state lawmakers to move forward would require wresting power from the independent state redistricting commission, which voters approved in 2008 to oversee redistricting.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2025
  • That goal, however, is complicated by a constitutional amendment that requires an independent commission to lead the process.
    Leah Askarinam, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Clint Eastwood is as impersonal a personal filmmaker as modern Hollywood has to offer.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Hamilton County residents are divided on the new lease terms for Paycor Stadium.
    Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • Tesla quarterly revenues by segment Q1 2019–Q2 2025 The column chart shows Tesla’s revenues divided by three segments: automotive, services and other, and energy generation and storage, from Q1 2019 through Q2 2025.
    Arjun Kharpal,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The clouds truly began to part, however, when Antony and Josephine gave Baser some advice that would go on to change the course of her career.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 25 July 2025
  • Paves also styled Simpson’s hair later that night, parting her hair on the left side of her head and tucking it behind her ears.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • This year, Jim Bowden classifies 14 clubs as buyers, eight as sellers and eight as on the fence.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • The company classified the fix and vulnerability as Priority 1 and Severity 1, a clear indication that the company recognized the potentially dire consequences had the vulnerability been exploited maliciously in the wild.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • They can be used to enforce least privilege, restrict destructive actions, and isolate misconfigured services—all without requiring code changes.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • The church's chef, Odeh, gave a small speech, telling students this community is an act of defiance in itself for all those who want to separate and isolate the others.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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