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 of separate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

McDonald's supplier subject of separate onion recall One of Taylor Farms' production facilities supplied onions to McDonald's locations in the areas impacted by E. coli illnesses, McDonald's told USA TODAY on Thursday. —

James Powel, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Oct. 2024 Whisk together eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla in a separate medium bowl until combined. —

Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

Lionsgate Studios is spinning off from the premium cable network Starz, to cleanly separate the two businesses and pave the way for potential M&A deals. —

Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024 Ingrid went on to become an autofiction novelist while Martha became a war reporter, and they were separated by the circumstances of life. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for separate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'separate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.