separate 1 of 2

Definition of separatenext
1
as in different
not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

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2
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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3
4

separate

2 of 2

verb

1
2
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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3
4
5
6
as in to split
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups The controversy separated the company's leadership into competing sides.

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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

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 separate
Adjective
At first glance, the companies seem to play separate roles. Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 Treatments and amenities woven into the full stay, rather than bolted on as a separate clinic, also tend to deliver more measurable benefit than à la carte high-tech interventions. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 May 2026
Verb
So any security operation must include plans to separate children from gangs and to reintegrate them into society. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 May 2026 Guardiola had separated from his wife, and rarely had peers to spend time with. Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • Officials at the Air Resources Board then spent the last several months drafting and revising the plan voted on this week, which received considerable feedback from oil and gas companies, environmental groups, lobbyists and lawmakers all jockeying for different priorities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The single drove in a third run, but center fielder Andy Pages scooped up the ball and caught Gary Sánchez trying to go from first to third on the play, ending the inning.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • The team also broke the NCAA single-season team run record with 651.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Also, only Congress has the authority to authorize spending and independent agencies were set up to be out of the reach of the executive branch, but neither check is being respected.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • But independent estimates place the number to more than 1,000.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Every apartment needs personal touches to keep it from feeling overly staged, and these Quince Shagreen Picture Frames helped add that warmth while still looking incredibly chic.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Tier One, Tier Two and Tier Three can be divided into elite clubs, those from the level just below and the wealthy middle-class, respectively.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • The False Comfort Of The Status Quo With firewalls in place, VLANs dividing the network and perimeter defenses monitoring network traffic, security and business leaders often believe their current controls are enough to hold attackers at bay until the next investment cycle.
    Jaushin Lee, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Lemieux had looked good just days before, walking through fans parting in the Bell Centre concourse.
    Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • The team parted ways with long-time manager Alex Cora a month ago, but things haven’t improved in the standings, and the team sits in last place in the American League East division.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Those with motors of a certain size are legally classified as mopeds or motorcycles and cannot legally be ridden by anyone younger than age 16.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Most of the people at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Central Pennsylvania don't have a criminal record and are classified as low-security detainees, said Deluzio, who lives in Fox Chapel and represents parts of Allegheny County and all of Beaver County.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Kurts told him about a recent immunology breakthrough where his team could isolate magnetic cells from rodent spleens.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
  • With the Valkyries pushing the ball up the floor, Jocytė got the ball isolated 1-on-1 with Fever star Caitlin Clark.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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