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fragment

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fragment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fragment are division, member, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When would division be a good substitute for fragment?

The meanings of division and fragment largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is it sensible to use member instead of fragment?

While the synonyms member and fragment are close in meaning, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

Where would part be a reasonable alternative to fragment?

The words part and fragment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When can piece be used instead of fragment?

In some situations, the words piece and fragment are roughly equivalent. However, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When could portion be used to replace fragment?

Although the words portion and fragment have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than fragment?

The synonyms section and fragment are sometimes interchangeable, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When might segment be a better fit than fragment?

While in some cases nearly identical to fragment, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 fragment
Verb
The hispanic and Latino demography of South Florida means support is fragmented. James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Bookings are often fragmented across cities, suppliers and regions. Amiad Solomon, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
Once the frame is full of the attached coral fragments, at another time, the marine biologist will dive and put the frame into the water at a depth of about 16 to 26 feet. Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 In 1918: An 18-year-old Ernest Hemingway was struck and wounded by fragments from an Austrian mine shell while serving as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross during World War I. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragment
Verb
  • The industry’s year of strikes in 2023 also disrupted the flow of Hollywood movie releases to the local multiplex.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
  • Frequent use can disrupt normal bowel function and lead to laxative dependence or chronic constipation.7 Only use castor oil under medical guidance.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Mazzoli created a lush score that was alternately sweeping or intimate, sensuous or mystical, yet with a distinctive sound that was her own weaving a thread through the piece.
    Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati.com, 19 July 2017
  • This is why the war stories of Tom Clancy are such convincing and moving pieces of fiction.
    Janine Barchas, Washington Post, 18 July 2017
Verb
  • After fracturing his hand in April, Sambora performed through the injury at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala on May 2, days later.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • The bite happened at his skull, fracturing it in three separate places, a July 2 TikTok video posted to Kashen's account, @yogi.ish, explained.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Without that aid this year, Avalon resorted to scraping 39,000 cubic yards from other areas of its own beach at its own expense — a small fraction of what is typically needed.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
  • That is still just 3% of the total population, a much smaller fraction than in the United States and Europe, but comes amid a tourism boom that has made foreigners far more visible across the country.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • The 6-foot-7, 282-pound Judge is on pace to break his AL record of 62 homers set in 2022.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • Set clear expectations from the start, include payment terms in your contract, and don’t be afraid to offer options like a discount for paying up front or a payment plan that breaks bills up into more manageable payments.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • His former bandmates weren’t the least bit surprised.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025
  • The bit sees Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) getting frustrated with the Man of Steel for pointing out that a building in Metropolis looks eschewed.
    EW.com, EW.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Organic materials like wood, leather, and fabric — which often remain remarkably preserved in the cold, low-oxygen depths — can begin to warp, crumble or disintegrate as dormant bacteria and fungi reactivate.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • Researchers think the deceased was buried in a wooden coffin that has long since disintegrated.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Even from the outside, the bathroom door was fully covered in scrap wood, with a moon cut out to resemble an outhouse door.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • The original paint on the pine hardwood is intact if chipped, and several rails are missing—likely sacrificed to wartime scrap drives during filming.
    India Brown, Robb Report, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragment. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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