as in incomplete
lacking some necessary part
the historical record of this pharaoh's life and reign is fragmentary at best
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Recent Examples of fragmentary
Using a fragmentary, collage-like approach that unites characters from different eras, from the turn of the 20th century to the post–World World II era to the years of GDR rule and on to the present, Schilinski treats history like a constant haunting.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
But while scientists have since identified other fragmentary remains, it’s never been enough to fully put a face to the name—despite the fact that Denisovans passed on some of their genes to modern day Melanesian people.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 June 2025
The fishless tanks, which emit white noise and are bathed in the violet lighting of 1980s Hong Kong, encourage visitors to reflect on the fragmentary nature of time and memory.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
Kosinski, who filmed actual F1 contests, scores on atmosphere but stages the races in a way that’s fragmentary and at times confusing, without giving us a clear enough picture of how each driver is trying to maneuver.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fragmentary
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
But while scientists have since identified other fragmentary remains, it’s never been enough to fully put a face to the name—despite the fact that Denisovans passed on some of their genes to modern day Melanesian people.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 June 2025
The fishless tanks, which emit white noise and are bathed in the violet lighting of 1980s Hong Kong, encourage visitors to reflect on the fragmentary nature of time and memory.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
Kosinski, who filmed actual F1 contests, scores on atmosphere but stages the races in a way that’s fragmentary and at times confusing, without giving us a clear enough picture of how each driver is trying to maneuver.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fragmentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragmentary
incomplete
Adjective
-
Alone, a Whiskey Sour without an egg white is a serviceable, if incomplete, cocktail.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Despite incomplete medical records, Beverly’s spirit was unbreakable.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fragmentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragmentary. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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