part 1 of 3

part

2 of 3

adverb

part

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point after traveling together for three weeks, we parted at Rome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When could member be used to replace part?

While in some cases nearly identical to part, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part are roughly equivalent. However, 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 part
Noun
His deportation On March 15, Abrego Garcia was among the more than 200 people who were removed from the country as part of a mass deportation order by the Trump Administration. Chantelle Lee, Time, 7 June 2025 Lucy is part of a long line of de Koonings who have made art in or around this backyard. Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Adverb
François Girard’s take — part mysterious, part mystifying — on Wagner’s last opera is one of the Met’s most interesting productions of the last decade or so, and returns for the first time since its premiere in 2013. David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Verb
His parting gift might be to broaden some of its horizons, too, and that legacy would extend well beyond his departure. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 13 May 2025 Her blonde hair parted in the center and was tucked behind her ears. Colson Thayer, People.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • The approved budget would preserve the portion of the program for those 65 and older, allocating $110 million for that coverage.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • Musk has also sought to operate Starlink, his satellite-internet company, in South Africa, but has balked at a law requiring foreign tech firms to sell a portion of their local subsidiaries to shareholders who are Black or historically disadvantaged.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The number of mid-level touring artists dropped from 19% to 12% recently, while even superstars saw their share decrease from 44% to 36%.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • Since at the time of Amer’s earnings announcement last week Trump’s had already backed off the 145% rate, shares rallied under the realization the profit hit would be far less for the year.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Sociodemographic influences Empirical data suggest sociodemographic factors play a significant role in air rage incidents.
    Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • Ars Video Concerning access However, in a May 14 Senate hearing, Kennedy clarified Geier's role at the health department in response to questions from Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Many farmers are leasing land for clean power projects, generating stable income streams that help sustain agricultural economies and keep land in the family for future generations.
    Martin Hermann, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The new sale follows the recent opening of the Chicago Fire Football Club’s training facility, which sits on 23 acres of land that CHA has leased to the team.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Adverb
  • Cover and cook until cheese is melted and coats macaroni well, about 2 hours on LOW, stirring halfway though.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
  • Holm said halfway into the 30-minute flight, the pilots noticed an issue with the engine on the left side of the plane, which had overheated.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • While they are legally separated, their divorce has stalled due to Girardi's conservatorship and legal troubles.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Sea to land To separate the sea courses from the land courses, Bost serves a surprise palate cleanser, a dish of orgeat (almond flavored) ice cream topped with N25 Kaluga caviar, almond oil and shavings of aged celery root.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Last month, the department moved ahead with negotiated rulemaking, a lengthy process that would result in changes to federal regulations.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The couple had been planning to move back to Montreal before the October 2024 incident.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Fallout from President Trump’s break with Elon Musk is roiling a Republican Party that was already divided over the fate of the president’s landmark legislation.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • Americans were also divided over what their separation means for the country, according to the survey, which has a margin of error of 2.1 percentage points.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/part. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on part

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!