ANALYZE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'analyze' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words break down and dissect are common synonyms of analyze . While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'break down' take the place of 'analyze'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dissect' instead of 'analyze'?

In some situations, the words dissect and analyze are roughly equivalent. However, dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny. // commentators dissected every word of the speech

analyze

verb

ˈa-nə-ˌlīz

Definition of analyze

as in to dissect

to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships analyze the park's ecosystem before deciding whether hunting should be allowed

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How is the word analyze distinct from other similar verbs?

The words break down and dissect are common synonyms of analyze. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," 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

In what contexts can break down take the place of analyze?

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

break down the budget

When is it sensible to use dissect instead of analyze?

In some situations, the words dissect and analyze are roughly equivalent. However, dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

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 analyze Thinking through a problem, analyzing it, making a decision, and then acting on that decision. — Elise Devlin, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Data and execution in one tool that allows users to find, verify, analyze, build, and report insights all together. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The change mirrors recommendations in a disparity study that analyzed the program’s impact. — Jack Harvel august 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 The enabling system, created by the researchers, uses machine learning to analyze information that Wi-Fi devices already send back to their routers. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for analyze

Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze

Verb

Most of that gap came via the right arm of sophomore quarterback Ford Green, who dissected the Chargers, completing 14 of 18 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns.

— Joel Beers, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Each flower must be picked and carefully dissected to remove three tiny red threads, known as stigmas.

— Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissect

Verb

Movie night this past week was Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River, an absolutely devastating neo-Western that examines the injustice many Native American women face on and off the reservation.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Now, in this new study, the international team examined the curious fossil under cross-polarized light, allowing more of its structure to be visible.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of examine

Verb

Their analysis, estimated to be complete this fall, will assess whether there is a regional cluster of Ewing sarcoma or other cancers.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Have a professional conduct a full inspection of your home to assess it for possible entry points.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of assess

Verb

Tracy took a high hit in the second quarter, remained down on the turf for a while and left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Earlier this week, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Simmons was having the injury evaluated.

— Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of evaluate

Verb

Fagnano was able to diagnose some of the disguises from Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores, finding soft spots in zone coverages both in the short and intermediate areas of the field.

— Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Boys and girls are diagnosed with autism at roughly equal rates until about age 3.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of diagnose

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analyzable

analyze

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“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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