Enter your own sentence containing split , and get words to replace it.

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
By 1979, the pair had split, and Danny later died in 2012 at age 75. Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Based on Haynes and Boone's internal investigation and recommendations, the church split from Morris' son and daughter-in-law, James and Bridget Morris; executive pastor Kemtal Glasgow; and several of its elders. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
The announcement of the unexpected split comes after Michelin had already begun work on the tires for the 2027 season, the year when MotoGP enters a new era of regulations with a move to 850cc engines. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 After that, Josh's role in the show, if any, was unclear for months after the split, though Christina was seen returning to set without him. Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
However, that contest ended in a split draw, and with neither man impressing the matchmakers in that matchup, the UFC opted not to give either man a second go at earning the belt. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Crisp, clean, and classic for any kind of bedroom setup, this 100% cotton option from Annie Selke features split corners, ornamental stitching, and a generous 18-inch drop. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for split
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split
Verb
  • The garden is divided into several enticing categories, from geographical designations to thematic gardens.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
  • One Mom Has Had Enough When one Texas mom took to TikTok to share her daughter's heartbreak over being bullied for having a knockoff Stanley cup, the response was divided.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The process has exposed a major fissure between Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and other members and activists irate that the party isn’t doing more to try to stop Donald Trump.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Antisemitic conspiracy theories are flooding America's most popular pro-Trump podcasts, exposing deep political and moral fissures at the heart of the new MAGA coalition.
    Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their affiliation agreement ended in late December, and after months of negotiations, the sides opted for a breakup.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Following their breakup just before season 3 of Outer Banks began production, Cline and Stokes continued to film together.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Their conflicting votes highlight the difficult balancing act for Democrats in battleground states, where political calculations often involve not just party loyalty, but also the concerns of a divided electorate.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Governments are less divided in towns and cities with robust local journalism.
    Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Davis was already separated from Freddie’s mother at the time.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The couple wed in Boca Raton, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2006, and had two sons, Benjamin, born in 2009, and Lincoln, born in 2010, before separating in 2012.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While cleaning floors is what first comes to mind when purchasing a new vacuum, this one is also a game changer for upholstery and vents thanks to its crevice tool and dust brush attachments.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • These brooms usually are lightweight and have angled heads to get into cracks and crevices.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • It was originally intended as a two-year temporary partition, after which a general election to establish a single national government—either communist or capitalist, depending on the votes—would then be held.
    Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The heavy metals in water partition onto the leaves while the tea steeps, resulting in lower heavy metal consumption by tea drinkers.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Marlin, 51, could not be reached for comment Tuesday, and phone numbers listed for him appear to have been disconnected.
    Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on split

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!