pull apart
phrasal verb
pulled apart; pulling apart; pulls apart
1
: to be separated into parts or pieces by pulling
The rolls pull apart easily.
2
: to separate or break (something) into parts or pieces
She pulled the rolls apart with her hands.
—sometimes used figurativelyHis gambling problem is pulling the family apart.
3
: to separate (people or animals) in order to stop a fight
Customers stepped in and pulled the two men apart.
Examples of pull apart in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The round edges of the tree are perfect for pulling apart into dinner-sized rolls—grab one for breakfast and one for dinner, and maybe a few to freeze for later, too.
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Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
Burgundy fabric hung from ceiling to floor, and the curtains were gently pulled apart, forming a subtle opening.
—Helen Molesworth, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, which rises about 500 meters, is specifically located within the Afar Rift, an area of intense geological activity where the African, Arabian, and Somali tectonic plates are pulling apart.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Nov. 2025
These panels pull apart easily and pack flat.
—New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pull apart
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Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
Burgundy fabric hung from ceiling to floor, and the curtains were gently pulled apart, forming a subtle opening.
—Helen Molesworth, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, which rises about 500 meters, is specifically located within the Afar Rift, an area of intense geological activity where the African, Arabian, and Somali tectonic plates are pulling apart.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Nov. 2025
These panels pull apart easily and pack flat.
—New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pull apart
Cite this Entry
“Pull apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pull%20apart. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
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