Definitions

compartmentalize

[kuhm-pahrt-men-tl-ahyz, kom-pahrt-] / kəm pɑrtˈmɛn tlˌaɪz, ˌkɒm pɑrt- /

VERB

separate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break up cut off insulate

STRONG

assign classify comb compartment discriminate distribute group interval intervene island order seclude sequester sift sort space winnow

WEAK

close off draw apart put on one side rope off single out split up stand between

Antonyms

STRONG

disorder disorganize keep mix up

WEAK

combine desegregate join marry mix unite

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So I stopped trying to be my whole self everywhere, and gave myself permission to prioritize and compartmentalize.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

When seismic events occur, part of the rational human response is to compartmentalize, even making light of the trauma.

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2025

“I’ve learned to compartmentalize because it does take an emotional toll,” Loo said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2025

Afraid she wouldn't recover, he wasn't able to compartmentalize to do his job well.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

I’d been trained my entire life to compartmentalize, to give my entire focus to the situation at hand, and I leaned hard on the habits developed from years and years of study and work.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing compartmentalize

A Face for Picasso

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Words with 15 or More Letters, List 5

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Internment

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