Synonyms of dissect

dissect

verb

dī-ˈsekt 

as in to analyze

to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships

let's dissect the plot of this thriller to see what makes it thrilling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• analyze
• examine
• assess
• investigate
• diagnose
• evaluate
• cut
• deconstruct
• divide
• anatomize
• inspect
• scrutinize
• assay
• break down
• classify
• categorize
• tabulate
• codify
• subdivide
• arrange
• enumerate
• catalog
• index
• reduce
• order
• sort
• segment
• separate
• schematize
• catalogue
• diagram
• assort

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• integrate
• synthesize
• consolidate
• aggregate
• assimilate
• unify
• coalesce
• conglomerate
• amalgamate
• agglomerate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dissect distinct from other similar verbs?

The words analyze and break down are common synonyms of dissect. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

When might analyze be a better fit than dissect?

The words analyze and dissect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can break down be used instead of dissect?

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

break down the budget

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of dissect

That’s part of what draws people to online discussions, where searchers dissect Collins-Black’s history and thinking while sharing insights and theories. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025

Every day, our columnists dissect the trickiest clues of the daily crossword and feature notes from the puzzle makers. —Deb Amlen, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

With advancements in neural AI, machines may soon be able to understand and dissect human feelings, recreating them in song with startling accuracy. —Virginie Berger, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Visitors from Norway, Russia, Germany, South Africa and other countries fill the bar and spill out outside, toasting to space exploration or dissecting the science behind the latest launch. —Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024