SECTION Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'section' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of section are division , fragment , member , part , piece , portion , and segment . While all these words mean "something less than the whole," section applies to a relatively small or uniform part. // the entertainment section of the newspaper

Q: In what contexts can 'division' take the place of 'section'?

Although the words division and section have much in common, division applies to a large or diversified part. // the manufacturing division of the company

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fragment' instead of 'section'?

The words fragment and section are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off. // only a fragment of the play still exists

Q: When is 'member' a more appropriate choice than 'section'?

While in some cases nearly identical to section , member suggests one of the functional units composing a body. // a structural member

Q: When can 'part' be used instead of 'section'?

The synonyms part and section are sometimes interchangeable, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required. // they ran only part of the way

Q: When would 'piece' be a good substitute for 'section'?

The words piece and section can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole. // a puzzle with 500 pieces

Q: When could 'portion' be used to replace 'section'?

While the synonyms portion and section are close in meaning, portion implies an assigned or allotted part. // cut the pie into six portions

Q: When might 'segment' be a better fit than 'section'?

In some situations, the words segment and section are roughly equivalent. However, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage. // the retired segment of the population

section 1 of 2

noun

ˈsek-shən

Definition of section

as in district

an area (as of a city) set apart for some purpose or having some special feature several abandoned warehouses in the city's industrial section are being converted into art galleries and artists' lofts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in portion

one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled had trouble fitting the sections of the bookcase together

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

section

2 of 2

verb

as in to part

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word section distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of section are division, fragment, member, part, piece, portion, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can division take the place of section?

Although the words division and section have much in common, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is it sensible to use fragment instead of section?

The words fragment and section are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When is member a more appropriate choice than section?

While in some cases nearly identical to section, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When can part be used instead of section?

The synonyms part and section are sometimes interchangeable, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for section?

The words piece and section can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When could portion be used to replace section?

While the synonyms portion and section are close in meaning, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When might segment be a better fit than section?

In some situations, the words segment and section are roughly equivalent. However, 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 section

Noun

O’Neal helmed a revamp of the section in a directive from Post owner Jeff Bezos. — Scott Nover, Washington Post, 31 July 2026 Recent chief executives have struggled to unite the parent organization with its 17 geographical sections, which can upset the balance between professional development and community tennis. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Verb

The process began with detangling, drying, and sectioning each model’s hair before additional wefts from True Hair Company were installed to enhance length and fullness. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 How to do miracle knots Start by sectioning out clean, even parts and braiding them into single plaits. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for section

Recent Examples of Synonyms for section

Noun

The union said the agreement would have saved the district $67 million in retiree health insurance costs over three years while preserving retiree benefits.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
The Sacramento City Teachers Association released a response shortly afterward, with President Nikki Davis-Milevsky slamming the decision and urging the district to appeal the rescission to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

— Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of district

Noun

James' decision to run for governor left open his seat in the 10th District, which includes a portion of Oakland County and stretches across conservative communities in Macomb County.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Temperatures reached at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days in some areas in late July, the country’s longest such streak on record, and heatstroke alerts have repeatedly covered large portions of the country.

— Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

In plenty of neighborhood stores, those benefits move real volume, so a change to what the card can buy lands directly on the day's receipts.

— Elie Y. Katz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The university is located in a Nashville neighborhood that is also historically predominantly Black.

— Jeana Fermi, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of neighborhood

Verb

Carroll built his home in 2009 directly behind the park, separated only by a fence.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Bunion Bootie is an ultra-thin, soft fabric big-toe alignment sleeve that fits comfortably inside your shoes, with a lightweight, breathable, second-skin design that separates the big toe from the second.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of separate

Noun

Drivers should pay extra attention while passing through work zones and be aware of all workers and repair equipment.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Jones’ improvements with in-zone contact have been on display this week, as his homers off Imanaga, Peterson and White Sox righty Davis Martin came on pitches over the heart of the plate.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of zone

Browse Nearby Words

sectarians

section

sectional

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“Section.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/section. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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verb

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Synonyms of section

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing section

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on section

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Why does English have so many silent letters?

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