piecemeal 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of piecemealnext
as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

piecemeal

2 of 2

adverb

ˈpēs-ˌmēl How to pronounce piecemeal (audio)
1
as in gradually
by small steps or amounts remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in apart
into parts or pieces one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 piecemeal
Adjective
But turning that fractured and piecemeal popularity into a more direct competitor in the American sports landscape has proved exceedingly difficult for men’s soccer. — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Called Agent Pay for Machines, the new network is meant to make smaller money transfers easier when, for example, an AI agent wants to access data piecemeal from a website. — Ben Weiss, Fortune, 10 June 2026
Adverb
These circumstances pose a legal challenge for Pirro because the Supreme Court generally disfavors piecemeal appeals. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026 Called Agent Pay for Machines, the new network is meant to make smaller money transfers easier when, for example, an AI agent wants to access data piecemeal from a website. — Ben Weiss, Fortune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
  1. gradual
  2. gradually
  3. apart
Adjective
  • Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • And since then, improvements have been gradual rather than revolutionary.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of gradual
Adverb
  • Approaching school prep gradually will also help families save money, according to Bryan-Podvin.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 2026
  • There’s also some reflection on how the arc of this transformation of television has gradually bent back towards the old ways.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 6 July 2026
Definition of gradually
Adverb
  • All etched into the face of a man who spent his presidency fighting to hold together a nation that seemed determined to tear itself apart.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • At the Signers' Hall exhibit in Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, the Dickinson statue is placed apart in a corner, sculpted in a contemplative pose.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of apart

Browse Nearby Words

pieced (together)
piecemeal
piece of cake
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Cite this Entry

“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on piecemeal

Nglish: Translation of piecemeal for Spanish Speakers

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