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

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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
Although a ceasefire agreement in October 2020 brought temporary relief, Libya remains divided with various rival armed groups attempting to control the capital. —Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN Money, 4 June 2025 The issues dividing them are too difficult to resolve quickly. —Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Noun
The clip teases a fractured friendship as Elphaba and Glinda stand on opposite sides of a magical divide. —EW.com, 5 June 2025 By providing such aid, North Korea collapsed the divide between the East Asian and European theaters in a way not seen since World War II. —John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 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
  • Long connected off Brooklyn’s Carl Erskine at Forbes Field. 1968 — The American League announced the league will be split into two divisions.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • In his four years split between Jackson State and Colorado, the son of the legendary Deion Sanders threw for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, while completing 70.1 percent of his attempts.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of split
Verb
  • Airlines also often try to separate business travelers from leisure travelers, because business travelers are typically less price sensitive.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • While they are legally separated, their divorce has stalled due to Girardi's conservatorship and legal troubles.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of separate
Noun
  • Those CBAs also require that should there be a dispute as to whether the league, a club, a union, or a player abided by their obligations under the CBA, such dispute be settled through a confidential arbitration process.
    — Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The Supreme Court on May 27 declined to get involved in a dispute about mining on land sacred to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, a case that religious groups backed to test the scope of a 1993 federal law protecting religious freedom.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The findings show that, between 2021 and 2023, cannabis use among older adults in the U.S. saw a significant rise, with some groups showing especially sharp increases.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • One of the clearest indicators of this shift is the growing rise and relevance of nontraditional finance.
    — Liquidia, USA Today, 5 June 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
  • Scientists were alerted to its relatively rapid movement due to a large fissure that appeared in Ethiopia in 2005.
    — Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025
  • With all of that pressure, fissures can reveal themselves.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 9 May 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2025
  • 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
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 10 Jun. 2025.

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