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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
In addition, there are separate lists for typhoons in the western Pacific and tropical cyclones in Australia and the Indian Ocean. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 For years, the town has had a separate special use permit to manage recreation in the Peninsula Recreation Area, which is also situated on forest service land and includes an extensive trail network for both winter and summer recreation. John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
While first stage successfully separated, the second stage engine did not get it into orbit. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 The Orion capsule will separate from the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, or ICPS, three hours and 23 minutes after launch. William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate
Adjective
  • 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, 28 Mar. 2026
  • He's accused of placing cameras in the restrooms of three other parks, with at least 12 different victims.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Garcia doubled to score Bohm, then left fielder Brandon Marsh hit a two-run single to tie the game at 3.
    Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 A single spark of inspiration can unleash a wildfire of creativity.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Will the American people have faith any longer that any investigation can be independent and free of partisanship?
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Getting an independent lawyer would help city lawyers avoid a conflict of interest.
    Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Brooks is still wont to assume that social crises are a function of our personal habits, not economic or political injustice, and his methodological tics are the same as ever.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Wacha kept the Braves off the scoreboard while Salvador Perez provided the offense, hitting his first homer of the season and snapping a personal 15-inning scoreless streak.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The site is being divided into several parcels, one destined for a Yokohama-like building with an attached hotel, another for housing, a third for shipping perishable freight.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Polls show the nation is sharply divided over the issue of American citizenship for newborn children of unauthorized immigrants.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cyrus's hair, which currently hits just below her shoulders, has been cut in swingy layers hear her face, with her bangs parted in the center and falling past her brow bone.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Since parting, Shabaka has performed mononymously as a solo flautist and Skinner joined members of Radiohead to form the offshoot band the Smile.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Currently Not Collectible status The IRS may classify an account as Currently Not Collectible (CNC) if a taxpayer is facing severe financial hardship.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • SmartAsset used the Pew Research definition of middle class for its report, which classifies middle class as an income between two-thirds and double a region’s median income.
    Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The goal is to facilitate talks and secure an easing of the White House pressure campaign to isolate Cuba through a de facto oil blockade that is causing crippling fuel shortages and worsening blackouts, according to several people familiar with the talks.
    Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • When decision-making time came after his sophomore season, Karaban isolated himself and went quiet.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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