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
The development professional was gathering information from several people and wanted to respond with a comprehensive answer rather than providing it piecemeal. — Karen Cochran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 To meet these goals, the university is contemplating four initiatives to add to its existing piecemeal partnerships. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Adverb
These circumstances pose a legal challenge for Pirro because the Supreme Court generally disfavors piecemeal appeals. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026 All of these current approaches to self-improving AI are not recursive but piecemeal. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
  1. gradual
  2. gradually
  3. apart
Adjective
  • The National Weather Service says a gradual cool-down is possible next week, with rain chances increasing later in the week.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The company cited a gradual recovery in the Middle East, growth in North America land, and broadening international activity in deep-water offshore.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of gradual
Adverb
  • Tracking displacement is different, as a user gradually pulling back from their human relationships may show few, if any, signs of distress.
    — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Since returning to the Vatican, Leo has gradually resumed his activities while adjusting his schedule to prioritize recovery and periods of rest, the statement said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of gradually
Adverb
  • New safety requirements apply What sets the aircraft apart is its enhanced angle-of-attack system, which Boeing plans to introduce across the 737 MAX family.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Viktor Arvidsson and Lucas Raymond scored 59 seconds apart for Detroit (3-3-3), and Alex DeBrincat tied the game on a power play with 17 seconds left in the third.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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