SEPARATE Synonyms: 309 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'separate' different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate . While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. // separate rooms

Q: When could 'discrete' be used to replace 'separate'?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. // broke the job down into discrete stages

Q: When would 'distinct' be a good substitute for 'separate'?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. // two distinct versions

separate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-p(ə-)rət

Definition of separate next

as in different

not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

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Relevance

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as in single

not physically attached to another unit the housing development has 200 separate homes, each with its own enclosed yard

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as in independent

not being under the rule or control of another the former Soviet republic is now a separate country

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as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person the husband and wife each have separate interests

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separate

2 of 2

verb

ˈse-pə-ˌrāt

as in to divide

to set or force apart we tried to separate the gluey pages, but they were stuck tight

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as in to part

to go or move in different directions from a central point the searchers separated in order to cover more ground

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as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type separate the students by reading ability

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as in to isolate

to set or keep apart from others separated the injured calf from the herd

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as in to differentiate

to understand or point out the difference in trying to separate science from religion on one specific point

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word separate different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

When could discrete be used to replace separate?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When would distinct be a good substitute for separate?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

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 separate

Adjective

The separate streaming and studios includes a collection of linear cable TV brands like TNT, TBS and HLN that face headwinds from cord-cutting and an industrywide march toward streaming. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024 These included four separate sales to one customer between September and December, totaling more than 450 grams of cocaine. —

Jenna Russell, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Thus, the pair delayed their wedding multiple times before ultimately separating in January 2022. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Premium cable brand Starz is expected to formally be separated into a standalone company by the end of the year. —

Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for separate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate

Adjective

The need for innovative and comprehensive solutions that alleviate the stress around planning, packing, labeling, traveling, and settling is evident, especially with the average American moving 11.7 times in a lifetime – every instance posing different challenges.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
The 2025 class will pursue their studies at 13 different institutions across the UK, ranging from Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024