division

noun

də-ˈvi-zhən How to pronounce division (audio)
Definition of divisionnext
1
as in divider
something that divides, separates, or marks off we poked our heads over the division between the yards to see what the fuss was about

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in department
a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization the complaints division handled all of the calls from the angry townsfolk

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in category
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic one of the major divisions of birds

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4
as in split
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the assembly line was a major development in the division of labor among workers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in distribution
the act or process of giving out something to each member of a group the person in charge of the division of the profits among the business partners

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6
as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony that church has been racked by division for some time now, and a split into two denominations seems unavoidable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word division distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of division are fragment, member, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When would fragment be a good substitute for division?

While in some cases nearly identical to division, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When can member be used instead of division?

While the synonyms member and division are close in meaning, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

Where would part be a reasonable alternative to division?

The words part and division can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can piece take the place of division?

In some situations, the words piece and division are roughly equivalent. However, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is portion a more appropriate choice than division?

Although the words portion and division have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace division?

The synonyms section and division are sometimes interchangeable, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of division?

The words segment and division are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 division Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 Eric Ramsdell—a Walmart tank trunk driver who took first place in his division—said the championship reflects a responsibility that follows drivers on the road. — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Omega is on top of the division as the champion after beating MJF at Spring Breakin’. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for division
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
  1. divider
  2. department
  3. category
  4. split
  5. distribution
  6. discord
  7. fence
  8. agency
Noun
  • Wooden dividers with an open-lattice pattern separate the primary suite’s sitting area and bedroom, both with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto a large private terrace.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • New casework creates a natural divider between the front office and the innovation center, soon to be filled with books and displays of student work.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of divider
Noun
  • Additionally, the department has been coordinating with the Nepali government to assist with the rescue effort.
    — Isabel Danzis, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The department did not immediately respond to The Bee’s request for comment.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of department
Noun
  • In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Public-health guidance still frames plain water as sufficient hydration for many users, which sits in tension with the personalized electrolyte marketing driving much of the category.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of category
Noun
  • The pair started dating shortly after their first meeting and, after a brief split, eloped in Las Vegas in May 1996.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The night also featured a classic Kenzie split, Trinity and Bryce talking about life outside the villa, Islanders’ reactions to fan comments, the couples revealing who’s still together post-Love Island USA and more.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • Reinstating a military draft would ensure a more equitable distribution of national defense responsibilities.
    — Jonathan Zimmerman, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Between 2020 and 2024, the NYC Health Department nearly tripled its distribution to opioid overdose prevention programs, distributing more than 300,000 naloxone kits in 2024 alone.
    — Nathalia Fernandez, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of distribution
Noun
  • Officials say the attacks are intended to undermine support for Ukraine, spread fear and discord in European societies and drain investigative resources.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The disconnect between intent and impact could be sowing discord.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Wednesday, three people appeared to hop the fence on the south side of the property, slide down the dirt and step into the house.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • However, in the fourth, Jensen sent another Perez pitch over the right field fence for a 6-3 advantage.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fence
Noun
  • The two agencies notified several individuals in the Virginia political world that their phones had been tapped as part of the investigation into Lucas.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
  • While more than 100 law enforcement agencies across the country have ended their contracts with Flock Safety in recent weeks over privacy concerns, the company and the state of Georgia are deeply tied to one another.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of agency

Browse Nearby Words

divisible
division
divisional
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Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on division

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about division

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