SECTION Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'section' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of section are division , fragment , member , part , piece , portion , and segment . While all these words mean "something less than the whole," section applies to a relatively small or uniform part. // the entertainment section of the newspaper

Q: In what contexts can 'division' take the place of 'section'?

Although the words division and section have much in common, division applies to a large or diversified part. // the manufacturing division of the company

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fragment' instead of 'section'?

The words fragment and section are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off. // only a fragment of the play still exists

Q: When is 'member' a more appropriate choice than 'section'?

While in some cases nearly identical to section , member suggests one of the functional units composing a body. // a structural member

Q: When can 'part' be used instead of 'section'?

The synonyms part and section are sometimes interchangeable, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required. // they ran only part of the way

Q: When would 'piece' be a good substitute for 'section'?

The words piece and section can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole. // a puzzle with 500 pieces

Q: When could 'portion' be used to replace 'section'?

While the synonyms portion and section are close in meaning, portion implies an assigned or allotted part. // cut the pie into six portions

Q: When might 'segment' be a better fit than 'section'?

In some situations, the words segment and section are roughly equivalent. However, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage. // the retired segment of the population

section 1 of 2

noun

ˈsek-shən

Definition of section next

as in district

an area (as of a city) set apart for some purpose or having some special feature several abandoned warehouses in the city's industrial section are being converted into art galleries and artists' lofts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in portion

one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled had trouble fitting the sections of the bookcase together

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

section

2 of 2

verb

as in to part

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word section distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of section are division, fragment, member, part, piece, portion, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can division take the place of section?

Although the words division and section have much in common, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is it sensible to use fragment instead of section?

The words fragment and section are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When is member a more appropriate choice than section?

While in some cases nearly identical to section, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When can part be used instead of section?

The synonyms part and section are sometimes interchangeable, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for section?

The words piece and section can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When could portion be used to replace section?

While the synonyms portion and section are close in meaning, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When might segment be a better fit than section?

In some situations, the words segment and section are roughly equivalent. However, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 section

Noun

Friends, family and fans shared their congratulations in the comments section. —

Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025 The ice cream section of your local H-E-B: In the fluorescent, frigid aisle, wallow while debating which Ben & Jerry's flavor feels most fitting for your mood. —

Shafaq Patel, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025

Verb

Get this deal directly from Dyson to receive two free complimentary gifts with your purchase: a storage presentation case and a set of hair clips (including sectioning and wide clip styles). —

Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024 Your natural hair is sectioned into smaller parts and pressed in between two wefts of hair extensions. —

Jazmine Boutte, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for section

Recent Examples of Synonyms for section

Noun

But some applications created conflict, such as one in Benedict's district where a homeowner wanted to build a porch.

— Nate Rau, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
The awards program recognizes outstanding educational leaders throughout California who are making significant contributions to their schools, districts and communities.

— Del Mar Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025