separate 1 of 2

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
Conceptual redevelopment plans call for an indoor restaurant, bar and entertainment space, as well a separate building with four indoor pickleball courts. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025 However, the team theorized that skill discrepancies also indicate that the teeth potentially came from three separate children, noting the range of craftsmanship across the jade inlays. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
The lab is designed for scientists to study interactions that are difficult to separate in a wild setting. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Dogs are introduced to each other in a neutral space while walking and kept separated during water and treat breaks to prevent any unsafe interactions. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • Watch Hill’s Serene Beaches The village is surrounded on three sides by water, and each of those coastlines offers a different experience.
    Julie Tremaine, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • The 2025 schedule also staggers – between ABC and ESPN – two games an hour apart on two different Monday nights.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An internal investigation by the company — just a single page buried in thousands of pages of state records — shows at least one toxic chemical spill has already occurred in the plant.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Lee's first school choice initiative, Education Savings Accounts, passed by a single vote in 2019.
    Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Invest in Networks: With the rollback of DEI programs and ERGs, building independent networks is critical.
    Britney Porter, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Death must be confirmed by independent physicians with no role in transplantation.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The relative offered a coda to the shipwreck discovery story with a personal, and emotional, one of his own.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • This subtle bait and switch from a national identity crisis to a personal identity crisis is imaginative and, for a time, intriguing, with Gadebois doing some very heavy lifting as the bad guy that means well but, nevertheless, behaves appallingly.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • How couple could divide marital assets Swift and Kelce, like many wealthy couples, may opt to keep their own assets in case of a split.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Adopted in 2021, the current congressional map divides the county among the state’s four GOP-leaning districts.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • My recipe is as basic as can be: 1 part lemon juice, 1 ½ parts simple syrup, and 3 parts cold water.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Heidi, 52, wore her wispy bangs parted down the middle, drawing attention to her eyes, lined with dark eyeliner, her rosy cheeks, and bright pink lip color.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Gu classifies premium as cars over 40,000 Euros ($47,000).
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The expert group, which classifies global hunger crises for the UN, said that all of Gaza’s two million people were suffering severe hunger, with at least a quarter of them facing starvation.
    Semafor Staff, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Specifically, the complaint alleges that young TikTok users, those ages 13 to 17, may isolate themselves from their peers while on the app, or compare themselves too much to others, which may lead to self-confidence issues.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Sources told the outlet the incident was not isolated and occurred earlier in the year.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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