Academic Dictionary
Home / Thesaurus / Diffract
Find the word that fits

Diffract: alternatives and connections

Begin with the reviewed alternatives, then explore broader connections without treating every related word as an automatic substitute.

Try an example: important law show help change happy
26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
Start with the meaning

Diffract

To break or separate into parts; to deflect, or decompose by deflection, a/ rays of light.

View the full dictionary entry Compare this word with another →
44 useful connections shown 5 reviewed relationships and 39 broader connections.
Best place to begin

Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Broader term 3

Part 76% connected

One of the portions, equal or unequal, into which anything is divided, or regarded as divided; something less than a whole; a number, quantity, mass,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Definition Compare both words
Separate 76% connected

To disunite; to divide; to disconnect; to sever; to part in any manner.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Definition Compare both words
Split 76% connected

of Split

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Definition Compare both words

Derivationally related 2

Diffraction 74% connected

The deflection and decomposition of light in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits, causing the appearance of parallel bands…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Definition Compare both words
Diffraction 74% connected

The deflection and decomposition of light in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits, causing the appearance of parallel bands…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Definition Compare both words
Explore further

Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.

Aberration noun · 78% connection

The convergence to different foci, by a lens or mirror, of rays of light emanating from one and the same point, or the deviation of su…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Actinology noun · 78% connection

The science which treats of rays of light, especially of the actinic or chemical rays.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Bend noun · 78% connection

A turn or deflection from a straight line or from the proper direction or normal position; a curve; a crook; as, a slight bend of the…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Break verb · 78% connection

To strain apart; to sever by fracture; to divide with violence; as, to break a rope or chain; to break a seal; to break an axle; to br…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Break-up noun · 78% connection

Disruption; a separation and dispersion of the parts or members; as, a break-up of an assembly or dinner party; a break-up of the gove…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deadbeat adjective · 78% connection

Making a beat without recoil; giving indications by a single beat or excursion; -- said of galvanometers and other instruments in whic…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Decompound verb · 78% connection

To reduce to constituent parts; to decompose.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deflected imp. & p. p. · 78% connection

of Deflect

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deflecting p. pr. & vb. n. · 78% connection

of Deflect

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deflective adjective · 78% connection

Causing deflection.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deflector noun · 78% connection

That which deflects, as a diaphragm in a furnace, or a cone in a lamp (to deflect and mingle air and gases and help combustion).

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deflexion noun · 78% connection

See Deflection.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Deflexure noun · 78% connection

A bending or turning aside; deflection.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Destroy verb · 78% connection

To unbuild; to pull or tear down; to separate virulently into its constituent parts; to break up the structure and organic existence o…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Disintegrate verb · 78% connection

To decompose into integrant parts; as, chalk rapidly disintegrates.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Disjoint verb · 78% connection

To separate at junctures or joints; to break where parts are united; to break in pieces; as, disjointed columns; to disjoint and edifi…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Dissect verb · 78% connection

To divide into separate parts; to cut in pieces; to separate and expose the parts of, as an animal or a plant, for examination and to…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
Dissipate verb · 78% connection

To separate into parts and disappear; to waste away; to scatter; to disperse; to vanish; as, a fog or cloud gradually dissipates befor…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: break, separate, parts, deflect, decompose.
Definition Compare
All dictionary tools

Explore Academic Dictionary

The same nine destinations available from the header menu are shown here as a clear, fully visible grid.

Dictionary Definitions and meanings Thesaurus Synonyms with nuance Academic writing Evidence and analysis Professional Workplace vocabulary Word origins Etymology and roots Subjects Specialist dictionaries Word clusters Connected vocabulary Word similarity Compare two words Crossword Play with vocabulary