1
as in distorted
inclined to favor one side over another
that judge is always partial to the defense, so be careful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inclined
having a liking or affection
partial to chocolate cake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in incomplete
lacking some necessary part
a partial answer to the problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 partial
That partial settlement left remaining claims Page had also been pursuing against numerous former officials.
—
Nate Raymond, USA Today, 15 June 2026
The humiliating start-stop announcements of a partial deal are evidence to this effect.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
How to read an eclipse map The black line on the map above shows where the maximum partial eclipse will happen at sunset.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 June 2026
These plants naturally grow as understory shrubs and can be planted in the partial shade of taller trees like oaks and pines.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for partial
Nate Raymond, USA Today, 15 June 2026
The humiliating start-stop announcements of a partial deal are evidence to this effect.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
How to read an eclipse map The black line on the map above shows where the maximum partial eclipse will happen at sunset.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 June 2026
These plants naturally grow as understory shrubs and can be planted in the partial shade of taller trees like oaks and pines.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for partial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for partial
Adjective
-
Even though Mercola has now reversed his position on vitamin K, many on social media still cling to debunked and distorted claims.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
12 June 2026
-
The strange fruits of Koosha’s process premiered Wednesday night at the Tribeca Festival in New York — a work that was just another indie film on one hand but also a glimpse at the distorted mirror of film’s future on the other.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the early stages of a relationship, self-expansion is largely automatic, as new partners are most inclined at this point to learn about each other’s unfamiliar interests, social circles, habits and ideas.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
The urban-inclined may prefer the commute from New York City.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Even in school districts with strong policies protecting recess, 60% of schools still withheld it for poor behavior and 69% withheld it for incomplete academic work.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
The description is not so much wrong as incomplete, ignoring centuries of migration, adaptation, and creativity in favor of a single mid-20th-century snapshot.—
Ashley Rose Young,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
But if his intention is a quick rate cut, the new chairman might be entering a hostile work environment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
-
French, American, British and other naval crews already have experience of escorting civilian ships through hostile fire in the region.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
According to Ars, the PrK module will be decommissioned and no longer pressurized until that happens, which could greatly limit the use of its attached dock.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
18 June 2026
-
Additionally, the building has access to an attached garage.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Certain groups of people may be underrepresented in the data AI relies on, resulting in biased outcomes, some said.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
The causes of these disparities are often attributed to organizational policies, biased hiring practices, and structural inequities.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
The current Princess of Wales, for example, seems particularly fond of the contrast between the bold colors of her outfits and bright white of lapels and cuffs; just look at the photos taken at Trooping the Colour 2025.—
Giorgia Olivieri,
Vanity Fair,
12 June 2026
-
The quick-witted Shalit, fond of bow ties, aimed to make his segments fun.—
Chris Koseluk,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Until Congress enacts a uniform national ban on partisan gerrymandering, the amendment’s advocates argue New York shouldn’t fight with its hands tied behind its back.—
Jeffrey M. Wice,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
-
My colleague Michael Scherer reported on the administration’s decision to supersede America250, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to celebrating this year’s Independence Day, with a partisan analogue, Freedom 250.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Partial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/partial. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
