split 1 of 3

split

2 of 3

noun

split

3 of 3

adjective

as in divided
disagreeing with each other opinions are split on the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word split different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of split are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than split?

While the synonyms cleave and split are close in meaning, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When might rend be a better fit than split?

In some situations, the words rend and split are roughly equivalent. However, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When can rip be used instead of split?

The words rip and split are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When would rive be a good substitute for split?

The synonyms rive and split are sometimes interchangeable, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When could tear be used to replace split?

The words tear and split can be used in similar contexts, but tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

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 split
Verb
On his first play, Jones split a double-team and took the running back down in the backfield. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 The pair split reps with the first team throughout camp. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Shortly after their split, Chevremont, who is also the mother of two children, started dating her current fiancée Mel, a forensic neuropsychologist. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Per Axios, this corporate split is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Meanwhile, Democratic primary voters were more split, offering smaller shares of support to the three Democrats in addition to former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was not included in the latest poll. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 July 2025 Skeptics wonder if the true intention is to undermine efforts to move away from Confederate associations, an issue that has long split people who favor preserving an aspect of southern heritage and those who want slavery-supporting revels stripped of valor. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • Focused on expanding their notorious drug and money laundering organization outside of Detroit, their strained relationship has left the brothers divided.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The idea of a playing captain, something not seen since Arnold Palmer led and competed in 1963, has divided opinion across the golf world.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These magma-spewing mounds are responsible for 80 percent of the country’s seismic activity, including glowing fissures that splinter the landscape for up to 2 miles.
    Robin Catalano, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The measures eventually passed after internal Democratic fissures led to enough representatives returning to form a quorum.
    Rachael Dziaba, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Hunter racked up some wild stats across all 13 games in 2024: 96 receptions (121 targets), 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, along with 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions on defense.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Soon: Report More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match A New Beginning After the breakup of Toxic Attraction, Dolin's career on the brand stalled before her eventual release.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • An expansionist Russia and a divided alliance is also the European leaders' greatest fear − not only for Ukraine's sake but also for their own.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Opinion is strongly divided regarding the fairness and efficacy of such laws, with the public conflicted.
    Ellen Sauerbrey, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Jose Peralta School of Dreamers in Queens, and her mom were separated from her 19-year-old brother during an immigration check-in on Tuesday at 26 Federal Plaza, according to the family and their advocates.
    Cayla Bamberger, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Human beings have spent millennia building homes, fences, and societies to separate ourselves from nature (and for good reasons).
    Marc Berman August 15, Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The roomy dustbin didn’t need constant emptying, and the crevice tool came in clutch for picking up crumbs between couch cushions and from the tight corners of car seats.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Aphonopelma Chiricahua: Named after the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, this large, black-bodied species dwells in crevices and rocky burrows.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps the most theatrical display is Woman on a Chariot, set within a circular architectural partition that restricts sightlines and invites discovery.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The setup is similar, with bins of food stored at a counter behind a glass partition.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The process is time-consuming, resource-intensive and often disconnected from the operational heartbeat of the business.
    Rahul Saluja, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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