piecemeal 1 of 2

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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piecemeal

2 of 2

adverb

1
2
as in apart
into parts or pieces one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal

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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
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 The vast majority are still experimenting, running isolated pilots, or deploying AI in piecemeal ways that have yet to generate measurable enterprise-wide impact. Chris Rosenberg, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Adverb
Whatever extra cash drivers throw into the congestion pricing till — in fact, all toll revenue — must go through a new state financial counting house and be given back piecemeal to the MTA when expenses are fully reviewed for reasonable cost. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026 Personal details emerge piecemeal, in no particular order, always in connection with the music with which they are entangled. Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
  • The deal focused overwhelmingly on constraining Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for gradual sanctions relief.
    Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • The developments mark the latest in a series of back-and-forth strikes centered around the strait, casting uncertainty over the US-Iran agreement signed earlier this month which stipulates the gradual restoration of normal marine traffic.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Adverb
  • The framework has provisions for a test run of sorts, with Israeli troops withdrawing from two pilot zones where the Lebanese army will gradually assume security responsibilities.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • On Friday, the Israeli and Lebanese governments agreed a process by which the Lebanese military (LAF) would gradually take control of zones in southern Lebanon.
    Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adverb
  • Survivors described the shock and destruction following two massive earthquakes that struck Venezuela only minutes apart.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • The old building was falling apart.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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