Synonym Chooser

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 To trace how the Greenland climate changed season by season during the D-O events, Jones and his colleagues melted samples of core and analyzed the gases released using laser spectroscopy techniques first pioneered in Antarctica. Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 6 Feb. 2025 Also difficult to analyze is whether this increase will be short term or long term. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 New research analyzing ancient DNA may have finally solved a long-standing linguistic mystery: Where did the Indo-European language family originate? Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025 The researchers aimed to analyze the physiological effects of carbonated water, as it has been found to induce satiety (feelings of fullness) and gastric motility (movement of food through the body), both of which could reduce hunger. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for analyze 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analyze
Verb
  • For more on Severance, sign up for Severance Club, our subscriber-exclusive newsletter obsessing, dissecting, and debating everything about season two.
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The film has been dissected down to the decision to film Emilia Pérez in France rather than Mexico even though the film might not have gotten made otherwise.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Through fiscal year 2023, the IRS examined 0.44% of individual returns filed for tax years 2013 through 2021, according to the latest IRS Data Book.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Yes, the Reputation Management system examines your social media accounts, but Social Media Monitoring in the main IDShield app has a different purpose.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The effort to assess the fire department’s needs was the subject of a lengthy debate on the council floor this week.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
  • In addition, there is a European Space Agency payload, the Package for Resource Observation and in-situ Prospecting for Exploration, commercial exploration and Transportation (PROSPECT), designed to assess the potential use of resources for human exploration.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • He's promised to investigate people who get in the way of or threaten the DOGE team making cuts to federal agencies.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025
  • What To Know Michigan State Police in June were called to investigate two people squatting in a cabin, troopers said on X. Police said the two individuals, Bromley and his 68-year-old wife, were homeless and had been living in the residence without permission.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • He was evaluated by medical personnel on-site and taken to a local hospital for treatment.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The Senate has evaluated all potential conflicts and concerns.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Only two other children in New England have been diagnosed with her condition; one died in the first months of life, the other is 10 years old and depends on a respirator and tube feeding.
    Elizabeth Broden, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Logano, who had led 43 of the first 71 laps with perhaps the fastest car, finally diagnosed his engine issue: Part of a plastic bag came into the No. 22 car’s throttle body.
    Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near analyze

Cite this Entry

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analyze. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on analyze

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!