partial

adjective

ˈpär-shəl How to pronounce partial (audio)
Definition of partialnext
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

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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 The looming challenge for the programs is a partial funding gap, not a collapse. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 Nunez has heard of other writers who proficiently multitask, setting down a partial manuscript while starting another, interspersing it all with stories and essays. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 The agency is blaming Democrats in Congress and the partial government shutdowns for this. — Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 14 July 2026 Any Israeli government would move toward a partial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon while insisting on the right to strike back at future Hezbollah threats. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for partial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for partial
  1. distorted
  2. inclined
  3. incomplete
  4. hostile
  5. attached
  6. biased
  7. fond
  8. partisan
Adjective
  • Though the song is heavily acoustic, its distorted guitar solos hail squarely from the realm of harder rock, and the artificial choirs that seep in toward the end seem to call out to the symphonic citadels of the Norwegian black metallers.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
  • Sector leaders have warned for years that judging nonprofits too heavily by overhead can create distorted incentives.
    — Matt Emma, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of distorted
Adjective
  • The Mavericks likely wouldn’t have interest in taking on Nikola Jovic’s four year, $62 million contract, and the Heat (which has no tradable first round picks) isn’t inclined to attach draft assets to dump Jovic.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Its location would be obscure, so drivers would be less inclined to use it.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of inclined
Adjective
  • Dmitri published his father’s incomplete novel, The Original of Laura, in 2009, going against his father’s wishes.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • Second, a burger without fries is incomplete, and the quality of fries matters.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of incomplete
Adjective
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Ibiza is hostile to new club owners, and Ushuaïa faced the usual onslaught.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Additionally, the building includes access to an attached two-car garage.
    — Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
  • Just beyond is a combination hallway-mudroom that leads to the attached two-car garage and a half bath.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of attached
Adjective
  • This can lead to unpredictable behavior, biased algorithms and ethical shortcomings—all of which can lead to harmful outputs with the potential to badly undermine customer trust.
    — Chris Dimitriadis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Without that scrutiny, the information that users derive from social media could end up biased, whatever their intention.
    — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026
Definition of biased
Adjective
  • Still, Boreanaz has nothing but fond memories of his time working alongside Deschanel.
    — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
  • On his way to space, the boy reflects on fond memories with this special relative.
    — Brooke Harris Garad, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Definition of fond
Adjective
  • Overall, the address was taken seriously in partisan pro-Trump media circles, while it was treated skeptically everywhere else.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Being an expert, by contrast, has an inherently partisan aspect.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026
Definition of partisan

Phrases Containing partial

Browse Nearby Words

parted (with)
partial
partialities
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Cite this Entry

“Partial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/partial. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on partial

Nglish: Translation of partial for Spanish Speakers

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