A section is separate (5)

I believe the answer is:

apart

'is separate' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'a section' is the wordplay.
'section' becomes 'part' (synonyms).
'a'+'part'='APART'

(Other definitions for apart that I've seen before include "No longer living together" , "away" , "In pieces; separate" , "First Christmas present from my love" , "Separated; to one side" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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