1
as in dissolution
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces
the separation of Norway and Sweden into two independent nations in 1905
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distinction
the state of being kept distinct
the separation of church and state is an important concept in the United States
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in divergence
a movement in different directions away from a common point
a sudden separation of the herd of deer when they were startled
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge)
the narrow separation between posts in the fence
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in departure
the act or process of two or more persons going off in different directions
friends who dreaded the inevitable separation after graduation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of separation
What’s actually at stake The stakes beneath the culture war are significant enough to warrant separation from it.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
The withholding in the scene and separation by a body of water makes their evident attraction even more scintillating.
—Sarah Wang, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Her husband Alan eventually found about the infidelity, which led the couple to enter a temporary separation.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Also, the design of a hard-sided suitcase, which typically opens flat with two equal sides, helps achieve even more separation between shoes and clothes.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for separation
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
The withholding in the scene and separation by a body of water makes their evident attraction even more scintillating.
—Sarah Wang, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Her husband Alan eventually found about the infidelity, which led the couple to enter a temporary separation.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Also, the design of a hard-sided suitcase, which typically opens flat with two equal sides, helps achieve even more separation between shoes and clothes.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for separation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separation
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
Noun
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Its star, Louise Lasser, graced the covers of People, Newsweek, and TV Guide, back when those distinctions really meant something.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Following a meticulous restoration, its Art Deco soul remains intact, a distinction further affirmed by its Michelin Key.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Noun
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This divergence shows that there are fewer winners in equity markets, concentrated in semiconductors and AI infrastructure, Johnson said.—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
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That divergence is why a Sicilian slice from a New York pizzeria can taste dramatically different from a slab of sfincione bought at a bakery in Palermo.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Shoppers rave that the arm openings truly stand out, describing them as notably flattering and well-designed, without any awkward gaps.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
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To narrow those gaps, Thyme Care connects cancer patients with personalized care and resources.—
Ellen Sheng,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Noun
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The existing political infrastructure has no way of accommodating migration on the coming scale, which will evacuate departure economies, and overwhelm destination societies.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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Though the Republican staffers’ departures are unrelated, their simultaneous exits leave Garcia with one less bridge to the Hill at a moment when US-Africa policy can least afford the disruption.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
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To keep stacks of sweaters upright, try the Home Edit by iDesign shelf divider.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2026
-
When that configuration no longer fits your gear, just shift the dividers around as needed.—
Anthony Karcz,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
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The first major split occurred when lawmakers passed an emergency bill, Senate Bill 298, on a largely party line vote in late February.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
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Multiple sources later confirmed their split to PEOPLE in January 2025, though they were spotted together on several occasions in the months to follow.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Noun
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The resignation of a Southern California mayor who pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent for China has sparked backlash and reignited fears of anti-Asian discrimination.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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The racial and gender discrimination claims were dismissed, but Rogers and TCC were ordered to go through mediation to resolve the religious discrimination claim.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Separation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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