DIVISION Synonyms: 186 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

division

noun

də-ˈvi-zhən

Definition of division

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

Relevance

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

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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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

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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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 Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 Eric Ramsdell—a Walmart tank trunk driver who took first place in his division—said the championship reflects a responsibility that follows drivers on the road. — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Omega is on top of the division as the champion after beating MJF at Spring Breakin’. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for division

Recent Examples of Synonyms for division

Noun

Wooden dividers with an open-lattice pattern separate the primary suite’s sitting area and bedroom, both with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto a large private terrace.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
New casework creates a natural divider between the front office and the innovation center, soon to be filled with books and displays of student work.

— Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of divider

Noun

Thailand has yet to secure an Oscar nomination in the international feature category.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
The screenplay placed second in the horror category at the 2025 Slamdance Screenplay Competition, winning Filmmatic’s Horror/Thriller Screenplay Awards, and selected for the 2026 Grey List.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of category

Noun

Reinstating a military draft would ensure a more equitable distribution of national defense responsibilities.

— Jonathan Zimmerman, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
Between 2020 and 2024, the NYC Health Department nearly tripled its distribution to opioid overdose prevention programs, distributing more than 300,000 naloxone kits in 2024 alone.

— Nathalia Fernandez, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of distribution

Noun

So far, fences have gone up and earthmovers are clearing the ground for the project.

— Drew Hawkins, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
The city is also considering protections for the property’s view from Eagle Road, including restrictions on tall fences, dense tree lines and other structures that could obstruct the house.

— Noah Daly August 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fence

Noun

Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Currently, free agency begins five days after the World Series, with no expiration on when players can sign.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of agency

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divisible

division

divisional

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Style

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of division

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Synonyms of division

noun

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Example Sentences

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Articles Related to division

How to Use Word Division Dots and...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on division

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Word of the Day

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Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

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