SPLIT Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

split 1 of 3

verb

ˈsplit

Definition of split next

as in to divide

to set or force apart split logs for the winter's supply of wood

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split

2 of 3

noun

as in fissure

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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

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

John Gottman did a six-year study of couples and found that those who remained together responded to each other’s bids positively eighty-six percent of the time while those who divorced or split up only responded well thirty-three percent of the time. —

Michael Alcée, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2025 Zoom out: The board, which has three dozen members each appointed for six-year terms, is currently pretty evenly split by appointees from Trump and former President Biden. —

Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

So much power split to the front and rear wheels can create some torque steer and throttle response that borders on touchy. —

Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025 The tabloid details of the split—Bündchen and her new martial-artist paramour knock dreamboat quarterback down a few pegs and ruin his rep—provided too much material to the sharklike comics trawling for chum. —

Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025

Adjective

In a split 5-2 decision, Montana’s top court struck down the laws under the state constitution in response to a challenge from the Montana Democratic Party and various interest groups. —

Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 Independents were more split, with 46% against ending birthright citizenship, 23% in favor of ending it and 30% not leaning one way or the other. —

Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for split

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split

Verb

Three years after 9/11, America is divided and George W. Bush is president.

— David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
Perfume notes Perfume notes are divided into three different categories, including base notes, middle notes and top notes.

— BestReviews, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025

Definition of divide

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“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of split

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adjective

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