severance

[sev-er-uhns, sev-ruhns] / ˈsɛv ər əns, ˈsɛv rəns /

NOUN

division

Synonyms

STRONG

analysis apportionment autopsy bisection breaking carving demarcation detachment diagnosis disjunction disjuncture dismemberment dissolution distribution disunion divorce divorcement parceling parting partition reduction rupture segmentation selection separation split subdivision vivisection

WEAK

breaking down breaking up contrasting cutting up departmentalizing detaching disparting disseverance disseverment distinguishing disuniting dividing rending separating splitting up

Antonyms

STRONG

attachment closing closure combination connection juncture marriage union

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.

Alaska draws revenue from oil-and-gas production both from royalties and through a progressive severance tax, which means the tax grows as the price of crude climbs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

The documents suggest that Lord Mandelson requested a severance payment of more than £500,000 after being sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Civil servants, such as those employed in ambassadorial roles, can be eligible for severance packages when their employment is terminated.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The charge is primarily associated with employee severance costs, most of which were recognized in its current quarter, Nike said in a Thursday filing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Thus, while the bearer is no longer a member of our scholastic family, it is highly important that his severance with the college be executed as painlessly as possible.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Vocabulary lists containing severance

Invisible Man

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Beowulf

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 2–March 8, 2024

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!