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 Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 They currently are tied with Club América for first in Mexico’s 18-team top division after opening the Apertura season with two wins and a draw. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026 Ralph has guided the Everblades to five Kelly Cup Final appearances, five regular-season conference championships and five division titles since taking over in 2016-17. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 While these divisions didn't survive after the Cochin Jews migrated to Israel and elsewhere, the bitter remnants still haunt the community's legacy. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 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 top layer features three removable sections with dividers.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Each seat is 19 inches wide with 39 inches of pitch with thoughtful features like a hard shell for easy reclining without disturbing surrounding fliers and privacy dividers attached to the headrest.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of divider
Noun
  • Malte Krueger, a PhD who leads the sports science department at Bayer Leverkusen, heard about Biolyz’s trials at Dortmund and knew a couple of guys working as consultants with the startup.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than install a conventional luxury department-store anchor, Fontainebleau chose a retailer built around ease and joyful discovery.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of department
Noun
  • Women earn more than men at a majority of private baccalaureate institutional categories.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The competition is divided into a range of categories, including wildlife, fine art and conservation.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of category
Noun
  • That's where an 80-foot-tree split after the round of storms just a couple of weeks ago.
    — Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The split comes amid frustrations over a lack of spending on player signings.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • The event also hosted panels about pitching your project, turning low-budget horror into hits, financing, distribution, AI, and much more.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The resulting behemoth would control nearly one-third of theatrical motion picture distribution and nearly one-third of basic cable channels, including 50 of the most popular cable channels.
    — Rob Bonta, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of distribution
Noun
  • Meena said his contract was terminated prematurely, a dispute highlighting internal discord.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • But mounting turmoil and discord have been a part of this transformative period that has featured a landmark collective bargaining agreement, league expansion and skyrocketing player recognition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of discord
Noun
  • The video shows the man, who is wearing a dark T-shirt and shorts, climb over the fence into a courtyard where a statue of the Blessed Mother stood.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lackey admitted to climbing over the airport fence and later entered the aircraft using the portable stairs, according to the complaint affidavit.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of fence
Noun
  • The agency predicted strong winds, heavy rain and high waves in the Okinawa region through Sunday, urging residents in the area to stay indoors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In many ways, staffers say, the shooting was a manifestation of an attack the agency was already feeling.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of agency

Browse Nearby Words

divisible
division
divisional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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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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