SPLIT Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

split 1 of 3

verb

ˈsplit

Definition of split next

as in to divide

to set or force apart split logs for the winter's supply of wood

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split

2 of 3

noun

as in fissure

an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure an earthquake left a split in the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in breakup

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the split of the group into two factions marked the beginning of the end of the organization

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

split

3 of 3

adjective

as in divided

disagreeing with each other opinions are split on the subject

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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

Examples 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

And the best supporting performance honor was split between Yura Borisov for Anora and Kieran Culkin in Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024 The news comes after Vivendi’s board approved the plan to split its core businesses in three, with Canal+ listing in London, ad business Havas on the Euronext Amsterdam and publisher Louis Hachette Group on the Euronext Growth Paris. —

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

With a thin majority in the house, and being far short of the 60 votes needed in the Senate to pass votes at will, a split has emerged among GOP leaders over how—and when—to turn Trump’s legislative agenda into law. —

The Editors, The Atlantic, 14 Dec. 2024 He is also set to star in Bring Them Down as well Hurry Up Tomorrow opposite Jenna Ortega. Carpenter, who has not commented on the split, is ending her busy year with Netflix’s A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter. —

Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Adjective

While the country was split, with 36% having a favorable view and 27% an unfavorable view, the partisan numbers were more jarring. —

Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Dec. 2024 The deeply split chamber could be a huge headache as Republicans hope to pass a sweeping party-line package on energy, immigration and defense in the first month of the second Trump administration. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for split

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split

Verb

And the House Democratic caucus has been divided over whether to touch the minimum wage and paid sick leave laws.

Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 14 Dec. 2024
During that period — divided into June 6-8 and June 28-30 — the scientists found a 9.4-fold and 7.4-fold surge, respectively, in fine particulate matter pollution levels, in comparison to all other days in 2023.

Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

Definition of divide

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“Split.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: 20 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of split

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