divide 1 of 2

verb

də-ˈvīd How to pronounce divide (audio)
Definition of dividenext
1
as in to split
to set or force apart volunteers divided the donated groceries into several dozen piles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point the group divided based on those who wanted to go swimming and those who didn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divide

2 of 2

noun

1
as in dispute

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of divide are divorce, part, separate, sever, and sunder. While all these words mean "to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed," divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.

civil war divided the nation

In what contexts can divorce take the place of divide?

The words divorce and divide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.

cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility

When can part be used instead of divide?

While in some cases nearly identical to divide, part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.

vowed never to part

When would separate be a good substitute for divide?

In some situations, the words separate and divide are roughly equivalent. However, separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing.

separated her personal life from her career

When might sever be a better fit than divide?

The words sever and divide can be used in similar contexts, but sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.

a severed limb

When is sunder a more appropriate choice than divide?

While the synonyms sunder and divide are close in meaning, sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.

a city sundered by racial conflict

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 divide
Verb
The existence of the commission risked dividing Marylanders from one another at a time when our state faces headwinds that require collective effort and sacrifice. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025 In addition to looking at overall options for affordable housing, WalletHub divided cities by population size — defining large cities as those with more than 300,000 residents. —Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
The theater/film divide seems to confirm Nora’s view of him as the enemy. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 While his move was viewed as replacing elderly incumbents with younger, more dynamic members, and portrayed as a growing generational divide within the Democratic Party, Hogg said Sunday that his focus was never specifically on age. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for divide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divide
  1. split
  2. separate
  3. dispute
  4. rise
  5. disconnect
  6. part
  7. fissure
  8. peak
Verb
  • Brin’s recent gift of Alphabet shares was split between three nonprofits, most of which went to his 4-year-old nonprofit Catalyst4.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The Chicago Board of Education is split over whether the interim schools’ chief should come from City Hall or the school district.
    — Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Definition of split
Verb
  • At one point, cinematographer Adib Sobhani’s camera cranes up above the schoolyard, showing students and parents separated by a fence that Aliyar accidentally locked.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • That may not sound like much, but in a market where supply and demand are often separated by razor-thin margins, the impact on oil prices could be significant.
    — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of separate
Noun
  • Lee-Gardner became involved in the dispute and is accused of hitting the homeowner in her head with a pistol.
    — Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025
  • This dispute is one of several signs revealing a worsening relationship between the two leaders, reflecting broader disagreements on Iran, regional conflicts, economic policy, and diplomatic priorities.
    — Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • Younger actors can get critical acclaim, but the rise of film franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made many of them feel interchangeable.
    — Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
  • This could lead to the rise of AI safety and regulatory officers and ethicists.
    — Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of rise
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025
Definition of disconnect
Verb
  • Sitting cross-legged on the floor while her scalp was parted and pulled by a cousin, an auntie, someone who loved her.
    — Ruhama Wolle, Vogue, 22 May 2025
  • The crowd parted, and a tiny woman with a big smile emerged.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025
Definition of part
Noun
  • That’s still true in the fully postindustrial parts of the city, though in a way that bespeaks new fissures.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 21 May 2025
  • Volcanic eruptions typically occur when magma below a volcano surges into subsurface pockets called magma chambers, then escapes to the surface through vents and fissures.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • For context, during the 2022 inflation crisis, HIMS fell 87.3% from its peak, significantly worse than the S&P 500's 25.4% drop.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2025
Definition of peak

Phrases Containing divide

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divests
divide
divided
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Cite this Entry

“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divide. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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