split 1 of 3

verb

ˈsplit How to pronounce split (audio)
Definition of splitnext
1
as in to divide
to set or force apart You should split logs now for a winter's supply of wood.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to polarize
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups The party split over which tax policy to endorse.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

split

2 of 3

noun

1
as in fissure
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure an earthquake left a split in the ground

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2
as in breakup
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the split of the group into two factions marked the beginning of the end of the organization

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

split

3 of 3

adjective

as in divided
disagreeing with each other opinions are split on the subject

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word split different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than split?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When might rend be a better fit than split?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When can rip be used instead of split?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When would rive be a good substitute for split?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When could tear be used to replace split?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

How is the word split different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than split?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When might rend be a better fit than split?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When can rip be used instead of split?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When would rive be a good substitute for split?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When could tear be used to replace split?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

How is the word split different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than split?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When might rend be a better fit than split?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When can rip be used instead of split?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When would rive be a good substitute for split?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When could tear be used to replace split?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

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 split
Verb
That means that if voters continue to split their loyalties, two Democrats or Republicans could face off in the general election. —Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 2026 After the reshoots, producers pushed to split Michael into two films. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
That split plays a major role in how demand — and ultimately prices — shift over time. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 However, Ovard's divorce has since made headlines, as she's alluded to the reason for their split, while also revealing that she's been dating both men and women since her divorce. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
There is a 1 in 50 million chance of finding a split lobster, the release said. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 Wildlife experts told local outlet WVCB that the split color can also come from genetic mosaicism, pigment irregularities during development or gynandromorphism, a rarity that occurs when a lobster has both male and female characteristics. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
  1. divide
  2. fissure
  3. breakup
  4. divided
  5. separate
  6. crevice
  7. partition
  8. disconnect
Verb
  • Every single section can be divided into a packing cube.
    — Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The case has also divided the agriculture industry.
    — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of divide
Noun
  • Eyes on the primary runoff The Democratic race doesn't feature notable policy splits along the lines of the progressive-moderate fissures that have opened around the country.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The ledges are broken by crevices and fissures, and loose rocks of all sizes lie on them and below them.
    — Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Their breakup has sparked discourse on social media, and Megan's fans also showed support and rallied behind her.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Most of the people building divorce and breakup registries are women.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of breakup
Adjective
  • The House and Senate remain divided on raises for school staff.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Polling suggests many voters believe the country is deeply divided and that polarization is expanding across the 50 states.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of divided
Verb
  • Only 26 points separated Flagg and Knueppel in a balloting where 100 reporters and broadcasters who cover the league ranked their top three rookies, with five points going to first place, three to second and one to third.
    — Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In between, the brand would release drops of basics, which spanned whimsical cotton poplin to bodycon jersey separates.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of separate
Noun
  • The tissue surrounding these small crevices also warrants your full attention.
    — Michele Ross, SELF, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Factors To Consider Using boiling water works for specific situations, such as borders, crevices, and small patches as well as tiny weeds with shallow root systems.
    — Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of crevice
Noun
  • Inside, the seating has personal storage and moveable partitions for more seclusion or more socialization onboard as well as moody lighting.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Moments later, video showed the officer raising his weapon over the glass partition that separated them and firing two foam rounds at Rahman, nearly striking him in his groin.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Definition of partition
Verb
  • Once the heating process is complete, the pressure vessel is disconnected from the Mothership.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of disconnect

Phrases Containing split

Browse Nearby Words

splints
split
split hairs
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Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on split

Nglish: Translation of split for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about split

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