division

noun

də-ˈvi-zhən How to pronounce division (audio)
Definition of divisionnext
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
as in category
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic one of the major divisions of birds

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4
as in split
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the assembly line was a major development in the division of labor among workers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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6
as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony that church has been racked by division for some time now, and a split into two denominations seems unavoidable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Championship gold will also be on the line in the tag team division. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 Pena’s time at the top of the division was short, as Nunes won their July 2022 rematch by decision. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 In today’s landscape, walls built in the industry go beyond paywalls, creating divisions between people of different backgrounds and opportunities. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 May 2025 Green Bay faces the AFC North, arguably the best division in that conference. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for division
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
  1. divider
  2. department
  3. category
  4. split
  5. distribution
  6. discord
  7. fence
  8. agency
Noun
  • The crash occurred at 2:35 a.m. on the northbound route, north of Interstate 805, where a vehicle struck the center divider, the California Highway Patrol reported.
    — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025
  • United will also offer center suites that allow couples and traveling companions to sit closer together when the divider is lowered to bed height; currently, center seats don’t let the divider lower to bed height, and there’s a greater distance between the adjoining head areas.
    — Chris Dong, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
Definition of divider
Noun
  • The department said each area published on Thursday will receive formal notification they are deemed noncompliant and if they are believed to be in violation of any federal criminal statutes.
    — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • The department confirmed the person arrested was an LGBTQ activist.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of department
Noun
  • Dresses were the prevailing category on the spring/summer 2025 runways.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • These categories receive backing from Taiwanese streaming platform GagaOoLala, production house Samruddhi Studios and actor Abhay Kulkarni.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 May 2025
Definition of category
Noun
  • The former couple split 11 months after welcoming their baby girl in October 2000.
    — Jen Juneau, People.com, 29 May 2025
  • For instance, if the cost of a service is $1,000, and the state and federal government split is 50-50, the state might add a 5% provider tax that would bring the total cost of the service to $1,050.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 29 May 2025
Definition of split
Noun
  • On June 3, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Aguilar-Linares and nine others with narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 May 2025
  • This one from Harry Josh is perfect for on-the-go styling, with perfectly even heat distribution to boot.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 23 May 2025
Definition of distribution
Noun
  • Gone was the discord and rudeness that is often synonymous with the Big Apple.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
  • Evidently, the discord stemmed from their division of labor.
    — Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Funding was raised to create two culvert tunnels with a concrete fence/wall on both sides.
    — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Other reminders: ▪ Inspect your shutters, roof and fences in case repairs or replacements are needed.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Definition of fence
Noun
  • This same erosion of authorship and originality can easily happen within agencies.
    — Henry Kurkowski, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • In the meantime, the agency will keep chugging along on old infrastructure.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Definition of agency

Browse Nearby Words

divisible
division
divisional
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Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on division

Nglish: Translation of division for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about division

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