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

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 division The increase in revenue is attributed to the acquisition of Al Shola Gas in the industrial and manufacturing division. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024 No word yet on if the Vikings are petitioning to stay in the division for good. Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 17 Nov. 2024 However, the issue appears part of a larger concern the division is studying — the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance in Colorado. Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024 The division aims to optimize the company's supply chain and reduce operating expenses. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for division 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
Noun
  • Here, an antique room divider adds depth to a formal living room.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Passengers in first class usually have space to spread out and sleep, get higher-quality meals and get dividers for more privacy during the journey.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Although the exact dates of its arrival and discovery are unclear, the penny-sized bit of rock somehow found its way into a Purdue University biology department desk drawer, where faculty uncovered it in 1929.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
  • But then hours later, the sheriff's department went back to the family's home near the North Carolina border, where Patterson was handcuffed, arrested, booked on suspicion of reckless conduct and forced to post $500 bail.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The classics are driving searches in the men’s category as well.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
  • For more information and further details of the categories of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025, please visit sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But the gender gap was among the most glaring splits, with more women backing Vice President Kamala Harris and a majority of men supporting President-elect Donald Trump.
    Jessica Dickler,Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Like Lazarus, Cordella had few details about how the split would work, something that NBC’s sports rights partners are likely eager to hear more about.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Driving south from Bakersville into Asheville, nearly every church, grocery store, gas station, firehouse, and strip mall parking lot had been converted to some sort of supply distribution point or relief hub.
    Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
  • Stops include Inland Empire distribution centers for Procter & Gamble in Moreno Valley or the sportswear company United Legwear & Apparel Co. in Beaumont.
    Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Despite moments of discord, ties between North Korea and China are resilient.
    Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Foreign powers seeking to influence the outcome — Russia, China and Iran — are circulating fake videos on social media aimed at sowing discord and distrust.
    April Rubin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The man ran northwest and jumped fences, witnesses told police.
    Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Just past his backyard fence, gray billows of smoke filled the sky above the ridgeline and flames could be seen chewing through sagebrush just a couple miles away.
    Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Combs is offering to cover a $50 million bond, wear an ankle monitor, stay off the internet, stay at one of his homes in NYC or Miami under the surveillance of a private security agency and pre-clear any contact with family members through the government.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024
  • In October, the year-over-year inflation rate was 193%, according to INDEC, Argentina’s national statistics agency, and that was actually the country’s lowest rate in nearly a year.
    thehustle.co, thehustle.co, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near division

Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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