facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfa-sət How to pronounce facet (audio)
Synonyms of facet
1
: a particular part or aspect (as of something being contemplated or considered)
Each facet of the problem requires careful analysis.
2
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration
3
: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium
Houseflies have about 350 facets per eye, while dragonflies have a whopping 30,000.—Brad Wetzler
4
: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)
the articular facet of a rib
faceted adjective
or facetted
ˈfa-sə-təd How to pronounce facet (audio)

Synonyms of facet

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Examples of facet in a Sentence

Each facet of the problem requires careful attention. the different facets of our culture Which facet of his character is most appealing? the facets of a diamond
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If those two facets work out as hoped, and Murray’s ability shows in stats that mirror some of his better seasons, the Vikings should be squarely in the conversation to win the NFC North. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 And while the Tigers cruised the rest of the way with their backups and third-teamers, there were enough miscues in all facets that Drinkwitz was left flush with coaching points. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 But Meta, a trillion-dollar company increasingly invested in artificial intelligence, is so much vaster than RJR Nabisco, and the current settlement applies to only a single facet of its sprawling operations. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 The look was playful and bold, facets of the tennis player’s usual styling. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for facet

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French facette "individual surface (of an object with many surfaces, as a gem)," going back to Middle French fasette, from face face entry 1 + -ette -ette

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of facet was in 1622

Phrases Containing facet

Rhymes for facet

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Browse Nearby Words

face string
facet
facete
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Cite this Entry

“Facet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facet. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

facet

noun
fac·​et ˈfas-ət How to pronounce facet (audio)
1
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)
2
: a definable aspect of something
explained all facets of the company
3
: the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye
faceted
ˈfas-ət-əd
adjective

Medical Definition

facet

noun
fac·​et ˈfas-ət How to pronounce facet (audio)
ˌfa-ˈset
: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface
the articular facet of a bone
faceted adjective
or facetted
ˈfas-ət-əd How to pronounce facet (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on facet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about facet

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