SEPARATION Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

separation

noun

ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of separation

as in dissolution

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the separation of Norway and Sweden into two independent nations in 1905

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in distinction

the state of being kept distinct the separation of church and state is an important concept in the United States

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divergence

a movement in different directions away from a common point a sudden separation of the herd of deer when they were startled

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gap

an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) the narrow separation between posts in the fence

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as in departure

the act or process of two or more persons going off in different directions friends who dreaded the inevitable separation after graduation

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as in divider

something that divides, separates, or marks off a filing cabinet with lots of adjustable separations

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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 separation The separation in that room is difficult to come by, however. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 But for shoppers watching a TikTok livestream, that separation is not always clear. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 The story takes on first crushes, school pressures, friendship conflicts, parental separation and loneliness. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 The plaintiffs — publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and reporter Lara Korte — were given separation notices last week. — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separation

Noun

Tymon Brown, the Gravel Institute’s head of production, said that the nonprofit’s dissolution was never explained to him or the rest of the organization.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
In the following centuries, Norway didn't have a king of its own until Harald's grandfather, Haakon VII, was elected king following the 1905 dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissolution

Noun

That distinction could become central to Maduro’s attempt to separate his case from that of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega, one of the closest historical comparisons.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
That distinction becomes important as benchmarks approach their ceilings.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Investor attention is currently shifting toward a growing divergence within technology equities, as market capital rotates away from mega-cap tech giants and into the AI infrastructure supply chain.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Why equal weight funds are beating the market The mechanics explain the divergence.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of divergence

Noun

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
That’s not an easy gap to close, especially in a state with strict budget caps.

— Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of gap

Noun

Katseye’s departure from Daisy Chain Fields comes while the group, which debuted as a six-member group, remains down two singers.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Compared, say, with the 1990s here, the suite of departures to points near and far is formidable.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of departure

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

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

Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images Two former Golden State Warriors employees have sued the NBA franchise, alleging gender, age and race-based discrimination, workplace harassment and retaliation tied to their terminations.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
For now, families say their children have to manage the judgement that comes with HIV, which can translate to discrimination against them and their siblings.

— Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026