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

Examples 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 Read more Archaeology 'Exceptional' Ancient Burial Ground With Elite Warrior's Grave Uncovered Bizarre 7500-Year-Old Clay Head Discovered: 'Raises Intriguing Questions' The team then analyzed the audio recordings in order to describe the acoustic properties at the various rock art sites. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 That included authoring a report analyzing FBI and DOJ responses in their own investigations into Russian election interference. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 30 Nov. 2024 Adobe indicated that its data reported is based on analyzing commerce transactions online, covering over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail sites, 100 million SKUs and 18 product categories. David Moin, WWD, 29 Nov. 2024 For its 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings, the publication analyzed 150 cities in the U.S. based on quality of life, job market, value of living and desire to live in the area. Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for analyze 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze
Verb
  • What transpired over the next few days and how Wood ended up drowning in the dark waters off the coast of the island has been dissected for decades.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
  • This is a high-profile case that’s been dissected many times.
    Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Toys with sharp edges can cause cuts and other injuries, so parents should carefully examine those toys before allowing play.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Slowly but surely, the Pentagon is carefully examining whether a robotic assist will help service members carry more for longer downrange.
    Jared Keller, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • There is a degree of difficulty in assessing Bregman’s value given how some of the best third basemen in Major League Baseball have agreed to contract extensions at various ages and phases of their careers according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost roughly 0.5% as investors assessed Tokyo’s 2.6% inflation rate in November.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • With little information forthcoming from Laos authorities, some travelers in Vang Vieng and friends of those who died have taken it upon themselves to investigate.
    Helen Regan, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Explosion: Several local, state and federal agencies are investigating different facets of the explosion that happened on Nov. 12 at the Givaudan Sense Colour facility.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Intel has started evaluating a handful of outsiders, including former board member Lip-Bu Tan, for the role of CEO, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
    Arsheeya Bajwa, Reuters, 5 Dec. 2024
  • But the process was time-consuming, and petitions from industry could take six years or more to evaluate.
    Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Abdominal pain must be present to diagnose IBS-C.3 Functional constipation might not cause any pain.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Previous research has shown that Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age than White women.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near analyze

Cite this Entry

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on analyze

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!