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
Upon request, the district will designate a separate facility if unisex facilities are not available. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025 This will help direct you on what to separate and not separate. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
The holiday season can be tough on everyone when parents are separated. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025 The driver, 26-year-old Brandon Padilla-Aguilera, and his 2-year-old son, Xavier Padilla-Aguilera, managed to escape the car, but they got separated from each other, police said. ABC News, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • This Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is a T+L favorite overall pick due to its four different plug types that are compatible with over 200 sockets worldwide and its ability to charge up to six devices at once.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Both reflect and honor the evolving identity of the position, just in different ways.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This faux Dunhill Fir is designed to look and feel like a tree plucked straight off the lot, without the single-season lifespan or mess of shedding needles.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, Daulton Varsho, who has been another clutch Blue Jays hitter throughout the postseason, smacked a single to center to score Springer to knot the game at one apiece.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There aren’t many tours available, so an excursion to the castle is most likely going to be an independent adventure.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, as China ruthlessly pursues independent innovation, domestic substitution of imports has become a policy priority to ensure tech self-sufficiency in critical industries.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Flueger, who has portrayed Adam Ruzek since the series premiered in 2014, is taking the time to deal with a personal matter and plans to return later this season, Entertainment Weekly has learned.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The airport has put out green donation bins accepting nonperishable food and personal care items for unpaid federal airport workers, according to a social media post from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Senate Republicans are trying to divide Democrats on Thursday with a vote that would pay government workers deemed essential who are working without pay during the shutdown.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In the trailer, Whitney drops the bomb that she is set to start her own MomTok, as the group continues to be divided.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her long blond ends drew a stark contrast to her faded brown roots, which were parted down the middle and brushed up in the back.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Even her ex, Tom Cruise, is, and the two didn’t really part on great terms.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What Happens Next Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball classify the New Hampshire Senate race as Leans Democrat.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • MacKinnon had a game-high eight shots on goal, including at least two that can only be classified as great saves by Vejmelka.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Heavy snow and strong winds could impact major routes, isolate higher-elevation communities, and create hazardous conditions for early-season recreation.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • It was observed in thousands of troops during the Korean War, and the first species of the virus that causes it was isolated in a Korean lab in the Seventies.
    Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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