Synonym Chooser

How is the word analyze distinct from other similar verbs?

The words break down and dissect are common synonyms of analyze. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

In what contexts can break down take the place of analyze?

The meanings of break down and analyze largely overlap; however, break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

When is it sensible to use dissect instead of analyze?

In some situations, the words dissect and analyze are roughly equivalent. However, dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

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 analyze In the future, scholars could analyze fiber type and other variables to search for more clusters. Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025 Baltimore Sun The vast majority of Marylanders criminally charged – 32 of 46 – come from strong Democratic urban and suburban counties, according to election data analyzed by CNS, not from largely rural countries where Trump support is the strongest. Ariel Sheinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025 Federal investigators will examine the wreckage, interview witnesses, and analyze flight records to determine the probable cause of the accident. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025 By continuously observing and analyzing these data, these systems generate personalized interventions designed to help users manage times of mental strain. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for analyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze
Verb
  • With a career that spanned 70 years, there are no shortage of facts about Frank Lloyd Wright to dissect.
    Carrie Hojnicki, Architectural Digest, 21 May 2025
  • Neu, who worked for Payton in personnel in 2006 with the Saints and then again from 2014-15 as New Orleans’ quarterbacks coach, has spent plenty of time the past few months breaking down film of Bryant in an effort to dissect Illinois’ offense.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The researchers also examined more than 2,700 genomes of modern plague samples from Asia, Africa, and North and South America.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
  • Jacob Soboroff, a national and political correspondent for NBC News, has set a deal with HarperCollins to write a book examining the wildfires that devastated his hometown of Pacific Palisades as well as Altadena in January.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Your team can assess each item by its cost to the organization, the risk of inaction and the potential upside.
    David James, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • At the hospital, a team of emergency and pediatric doctors assessed the situation.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • In one study of over 12,000 adults, researchers investigated whether genetics influences the link between vegetable intake and weight or obesity.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
  • No one is in custody, and detectives are investigating, according to police, who did not give a motive for the shooting.
    Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • With each mission, the company evaluates the data, makes adjustments to the spacecraft, and builds upon its previous successes and lessons learned from failures.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 27 May 2025
  • To qualify as a Baltimore Top Workplace, employees evaluate their workplace using a short 25-question survey that takes just a few minutes to complete.
    Bob Helbig, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • So when Andreini was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2013, Arneson was devastated.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • The Mayo Clinic says the disease is most often diagnosed when people are in their mid-60s.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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