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
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

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 Along with division heads, the company needs to find a replacement for chief financial officer Naveen Chopra, who recently exited. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 July 2025 Though Jobrani, Pedrad and others have reshaped how Iranian Americans see themselves — and are seen — in popular culture, the latest conflicts have revealed painful divisions. Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025 An impressive return for a team that was playing in the second division last year. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 For the Ioniq 6 N, Joon Park, boss of Hyundai's N division, told me that the target was running upward of eight five-minute laps in Endurance mode without derating. Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for division
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
Noun
  • After the boy, who is non-verbal, got up from the swing, the witness said Smith blocked him into an area of the classroom with dividers as the boy was crying, screaming and dumping items on the floor.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The generous 60-liter interior features sturdy divider panels and mesh pockets that keep things organized and accessible while on the move.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Employers believe that workers in specific departments, like sales and marketing (85%) and human resources (78%), will derive significant value from AI implementation.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Prior to running The Pitt's emergency department like a pro, the master was just a med student on ER.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • This included a category specific to Texas resort hotels, which were rated on rooms/facilities, location, service, food and value.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • Recent research shows that widely read authors, including J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin, and Dan Brown may be in this category.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Revealing the pair hadn’t seen each other since the time of their split, Justin pulled Susie for a conversation.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Following their split, the comedian would welcome 10 more kids with five other women.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Last week, in a remarkable showdown, Sarepta Therapeutics refused to stop distribution of Elevidys, its therapy for the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy as the FDA had requested.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The Las Vegas Review-Journal, which will print The Republic, produces the Las Vegas Sun and handles advertising and distribution for both publications.
    Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • For more than six decades, the treaty survived the subcontinental wars and discord but has come under significant strain after India suspended its participation in the treaty after the April terrorist attack in Kashmir.
    Sam Dalrymple, Time, 14 July 2025
  • This should involve respectful discord, finding a shared vision and moving forward with trust.
    James Barlow, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • An aggressive hitter, Naylor can get extremely hot, and carry a team with drives to the gap or bombs over the fence.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Though the entire film goes for broke, some scenes are more successful than others, with Kirby in particular asked to swing for the fences.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • The city approved her permits and the state environmental agency said the home would not negatively affect the environment.
    Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Advertisement Supporters of the agency have decried the Supreme Court decision, warning about its potential impact.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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