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

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

Sandwiched around his stints with the Rams, Coen had two separate one-year stints — 2021 and 2023 — as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Kentucky. —

Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Prior to leaving office, Biden also advanced a separate tobacco regulation, one that would set maximum nicotine levels for combustible cigarettes and effectively ban all cigarettes currently available in the United States. —

Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

Moreover, Washington’s example cannot easily be separated from its context at the end of an era of revolution in America. —

The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 Many families were separated, including those of the men still in detention in Thailand. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for separate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate

Adjective

The handful of researchers and companies leading the push to make IVM more mainstream are taking different approaches.

— Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
Obviously, the context would be very different depending on who won.

— Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025