SEPARATE Synonyms: 309 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'separate' different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate . While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. // separate rooms

Q: When could 'discrete' be used to replace 'separate'?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. // broke the job down into discrete stages

Q: When would 'distinct' be a good substitute for 'separate'?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. // two distinct versions

separate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-p(ə-)rət

Definition of separate next

as in different

not the same or shared we stayed in separate apartments on our vacation

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Relevance

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as in single

not physically attached to another unit the housing development has 200 separate homes, each with its own enclosed yard

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as in independent

not being under the rule or control of another the former Soviet republic is now a separate country

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as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person the husband and wife each have separate interests

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separate

2 of 2

verb

ˈse-pə-ˌrāt

as in to divide

to set or force apart we tried to separate the gluey pages, but they were stuck tight

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as in to part

to go or move in different directions from a central point the searchers separated in order to cover more ground

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as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type separate the students by reading ability

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as in to isolate

to set or keep apart from others separated the injured calf from the herd

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as in to differentiate

to understand or point out the difference in trying to separate science from religion on one specific point

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word separate different from other adjectives like it?

The words discrete and distinct are common synonyms of separate. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

When could discrete be used to replace separate?

Although the words discrete and separate have much in common, discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When would distinct be a good substitute for separate?

The meanings of distinct and separate largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

Examples 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 separate

Adjective

Each system also interacts with separate unions, some of which are governed by state law and some by federal rules. —

Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025 Relish in the large bath with double sinks, a soaking tub and a separate stall shower. —

Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2025

Verb

In 2020, Trump, in his first term, issued an executive order requiring TikTok to separate itself from Chinese ownership, but it was blocked by courts. —

David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 The Bucs receiver responded by hitting Lattimore hard enough to separate him from his helmet. —

Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for separate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separate

Adjective

There’s room to coexist because Hollywood delivers different content, but caution remains about what will and will not work.

— Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
The index evaluates the economic performance of more than 400 metro areas in several different tiers through 13 metrics, such as job growth, wages, technology and housing affordability.

— Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025