separable

adjective

sep·​a·​ra·​ble ˈse-p(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: capable of being separated or dissociated

separable parts

2

obsolete : causing separation

separability

ˌse-p(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

separableness noun

Synonyms

• divisible

Examples of separable in a Sentence

His religious and political beliefs are not always separable from each other.

the outdated belief that the atom is the smallest particle of matter and is not separable

Recent Examples on the Web

The two work together and were not generally considered separable. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 June 2024

The challenge, therefore, will be not just properly prioritizing China and Russia in U.S. strategy but recognizing that the problems presented by the two countries are not necessarily discrete and separable. —Michael Kofman, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2021

The definition of food addiction is separable from obesity. —Marta Zaraska, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2023

The innovation of the BPE is to make the two discoveries separable, meaning that the same drug need not be both lifesaving and lifestyle-improving. —Christopher B. Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin separabilis, from separare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

separable

adjective

sep·​a·​ra·​ble ˈsep-(ə-)rə-bəl 

: capable of being separated or distinguished

separability

ˌsep-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun