part 1 of 3

Definition of partnext

part

2 of 3

adverb

part

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point after traveling together for three weeks, we parted at Rome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part 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 could member be used to replace part?

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

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part 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

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part 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 could member be used to replace part?

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

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part 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

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part 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 could member be used to replace part?

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

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part 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 part
Noun
While Cora, who was also part of the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal, is now on the unemployment line, he is considered one of the better skippers in baseball. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 The launch is part of Levi’s broader global partnership with four of soccer’s most iconic national federations—Mexico, USA, England and France. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
The enclosed chamber offers very good heat regulation with an extruder fan, a part-cooling fan, an auxiliary part-cooling fan, and a fan to regulate the chamber. PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025 François Girard’s take — part mysterious, part mystifying — on Wagner’s last opera is one of the Met’s most interesting productions of the last decade or so, and returns for the first time since its premiere in 2013. David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Verb
According to prosecutors, after parting from his attorney in the parking lot of the courthouse, White got into his vehicle and intentionally ran into Thomas, who was standing next to his own vehicle some distance away. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 These perennials thrive in full sun to part shade and often rebloom in fall—a great choice for long-lasting color. Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • The court struck down that portion of the legislation, a move that infuriated Cindy's family.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Hillsborough commissioner Joshua Wostal has proposed using a tourist development tax to pay the county’s portion of construction, but that would require the Rays to pay all the upfront costs for construction and get reimbursed with public funds over the next 35 years.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Meta shares were effectively unchanged by the news.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But within Seattle’s defense — a unit built on balance, depth and consistent pressure — his role still mattered.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Claire Foy is among the rare lead performers to transition to a guest role, following a departure from a series.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This land, now dotted with Russian mines, is currently inaccessible.
    Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The state’s population is projected to balloon further with even more residential sprawl and water demands, while harming its environment and natural lands.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • During back flushes, the valve is never opened more than halfway; this allows for an instantaneous flow rate of no more than 27 gpm.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The squeeze on shipments through the strait has rippled through global maritime trade, including through the Panama Canal nearly halfway around the world.
    Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Only 26 points separated Flagg and Knueppel in a balloting where 100 reporters and broadcasters who cover the league ranked their top three rookies, with five points going to first place, three to second and one to third.
    Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In between, the brand would release drops of basics, which spanned whimsical cotton poplin to bodycon jersey separates.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • He was instructed to respond by moving his eyes from left to right, and sure enough, the researchers counted two rightward movements of his eyes.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Mercury moves through your 1st House of Identity, sharpening your voice and making your words more direct than usual.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Every single section can be divided into a packing cube.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The case has also divided the agriculture industry.
    Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/part. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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