compartmentalize

verb

kəm-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce compartmentalize (audio)
Definition of compartmentalizenext
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type we shouldn't compartmentalize the students into such restrictive categories as scholar and athlete, which are not mutually exclusive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 compartmentalize He’s often reflected on his pitfalls and tried to compartmentalize his thoughts on a potential solution. — Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 In fact, many trees successfully compartmentalize decay and continue to thrive for decades. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026 Sinner melting in the French heat can be largely compartmentalized as another case of his struggles in such conditions. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 27 June 2026 While some working Americans find relief in a work routine, others struggle to compartmentalize their grief. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for compartmentalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compartmentalize
  1. classify
  2. rank
  3. relegate
  4. distinguish
  5. categorize
Verb
  • Improvements to LinkedIn’s detection systems have resulted in a 40% decline in views of content classified as AI slop, the platform said last month.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Just 9% of Porter’s 3-point attempts were classified as wide open, the lowest share among 307 players who took at least 100 3s.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of classify
Verb
  • The Chiefs also entered the week ranked second in EPA per rush, which would be their best mark this decade.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • After allowing four sacks and managing 33 rushing yards against the Bears, TCU ranks last in the Big 12 in rushing yards and sacks allowed.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of rank
Verb
  • The limited prep area has forced me to be incredibly picky about which tools and appliances to display and which to relegate to cabinets.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Artisanal weapons and revolvers have been increasingly relegated to rural areas, smaller criminal groups and individuals, while over the past two years gangs have been procuring larger numbers of more lethal weaponry.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of relegate
Verb
  • On the aesthetic front, Vanadium Grey Metallic accents on the sideview-mirror covers, the wheels, the model-designation decals on the doors, and on the badge at the rear help distinguish the latest Carrera T from its siblings.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For Jekyll-Hyde, the costumes are crucial and add to the characterization, distinguishing the two men inhabiting the same body.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinguish
Verb
  • Shigella infections categorized as extensively drug-resistant, or XDR, are rising.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The new system will organize types of data that proved difficult to categorize in the past — such as the ways firms make difficult decisions — to make the rankings more authoritative.
    — Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of categorize

Browse Nearby Words

compartment
compartmentalize
compartmentalized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compartmentalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compartmentalize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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