separate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce separate (audio)
Definition of separatenext
1
as in different
not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another the former Soviet republic is now a separate country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person the husband and wife each have separate interests

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

separate

2 of 2

verb

ˈse-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce separate (audio)
1
as in to divide
to set or force apart we tried to separate the gluey pages, but they were stuck tight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type separate the students by reading ability

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4
as in to isolate
to set or keep apart from others separated the injured calf from the herd

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5
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in trying to separate science from religion on one specific point

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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

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
Two injured backcountry skiers were rescued over the weekend from Colorado’s mountains in separate incidents, according to sheriff’s officials. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 That much was clear this week during two separate events held in Silicon Valley, during which executives and engineers discussed the current excitement and challenges involving AI agents. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
A lot of people have a hard time separating the actor from the character. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026 The fudgy layers of this chocolate cake are separated by buttercream that is studded with fresh strawberries. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
  1. different
  2. single
  3. independent
  4. personal
  5. divide
  6. part
  7. classify
  8. isolate
Adjective
  • Jeff’s worries, Rogers explains to the camera after seeing his young friend off, are different from the worry that one’s parents might separate.
    — Jean Garnett, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The three-block stretch, between 16th and 19th avenues, looks markedly different from just a year ago, when tents, abandoned cars and piles of trash crowded the street and sidewalks.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Jack grew up in an impoverished single-parent household and David is from a wealthy Texan family.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Simpson scored on Diaz’s eighth-inning single and the game’s game-winning run, proving costly for a Yankees squad now facing a series sweep on Sunday.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of single
Adjective
  • Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The transaction is commercial, and thus the newsroom remains independent.
    — Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of independent
Adjective
  • Regardless of his personal feelings about the award, Mazzulla built a strong Coach of the Year case this season.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
  • DriveSavers retains a personal shopper in Shenzhen to track down elusive models.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of personal
Verb
  • The money bitterly divided the golf world.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Chondrites are divided into three families—ordinary, enstatite and carbonaceous—with the key difference being how oxidized their iron-bearing minerals are, much like the difference between a shiny unoxidized iron nail and one that’s rusty from heavy oxidation.
    — Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of divide
Verb
  • Leadership in Kansas City, Kansas’ largest public school district quietly parted ways with their head of special education who, for years, has drawn criticism from families and staff.
    — Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Now, Keiko Aoki—widow of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki—is parting ways with her bi-level residence spanning the Fifth Avenue skyscraper’s 33rd and 34th floors.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of part
Verb
  • Named in honor of NASA astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, New Glenn is a powerful two-stage rocket manufactured by Blue Origin classified as a heavy-lift launch vehicle.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The NightFlight Expedition and Mission Bermuda attractions are not classified as roller coasters by Roller Coaster Database.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of classify
Verb
  • Burke explained, however, the homes may be isolated by water covering the road.
    — Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Disconnecting the negative cable first isolates the battery and eliminates that possibility.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of isolate

Browse Nearby Words

separable
separate
separated
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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of separate for Spanish Speakers

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