dissect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dissect distinct from other similar verbs?

The words analyze and break down are common synonyms of dissect. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

When might analyze be a better fit than dissect?

The words analyze and dissect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

When can break down be used instead of dissect?

The meanings of break down and dissect largely overlap; however, break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

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 dissect From their looks to the culture to the music, fans have been dissecting the film and its characters for any signs of real-life K-pop inspirations. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The hard part is dissecting a legend without soiling a mystery. Christopher Borrelli, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025 The two were inseparable, and would convene each morning to dissect their dreams. David Sedaris, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 Each participant spoke with reverence for the work of their peers, passionately dissecting its nuances not for the sake of criticism, but for the purpose of helping their fellow creative see their vision through. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dissect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissect
Verb
  • The researchers’ proof-of-concept exploit was able to tamper with deep neural network models used in machine learning for things like autonomous driving, healthcare applications, and medical imaging for analyzing MRI scans.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
  • Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio analyzed more than a decade’s worth of data, examining over 134,000 cases of children under 6 who accidentally ingested nicotine through products like vapes, gums, and lozenges.
    Jeffrey Kopp, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • There are two approaches to this: comprehend the historical odds and position yourself ahead of the earnings release, or examine the correlation between immediate and medium-term returns post-earnings and position yourself accordingly after the earnings are announced.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • And don’t forget to examine your nails and the bottoms of your feet, Reid says.
    Stacey Colino, Time, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissect. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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