1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

patchwork 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of patchworknext
as in eclectic
consisting of many things of different sorts a patchwork collection of antiques from different periods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

patchwork

2 of 2

noun

ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
as in jumble
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 patchwork
Noun
Today such grafts, whether visual or textual, would be called citations; at the time, a text made of excerpts was called a cento, which originally meant a patchwork rag. — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 The Vans Premium Classic Slip-on is available now in striped patchwork Blue/Black and Incense Brown/White colorways, each blending a unique mix of textures and patterns. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Voluntary safety testing leads to an international patchwork of policy. — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026 Some e-bike enthusiasts worry that a patchwork of local efforts without clearer guidance at the state level will prevent them from enjoying an activity that makes getting around without a car easier. — Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchwork
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patchwork
  1. eclectic
  2. jumble
  3. varied
  4. medley
  5. mixed
  6. variety
  7. assorted
  8. assortment
Adjective
  • Sila, on Deck 9, is the buffet restaurant (albeit an opulent one) and was my go-to venue for an eclectic range of savory and sweet offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Living alone in Los Angeles for the first time, Jordan had visions of eclectic murals to match her vintage furniture and art collection.
    — Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of eclectic
Noun
  • Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
    — Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of jumble
Adjective
  • The Belgian designer, who went on to thank her team members and collaborators by name, is known for her varied explorations of feminine identity.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Possible options include ammunition designed for varied levels of impact, including armor-piercing configurations.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of varied
Noun
  • The honorees typically perform a career-spanning medley of their greatest hits during the ceremony.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In Arrowhead Stadium before the game, a medley of surprisingly authentic folk tunes echoed over the loud speaker system.
    — Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of medley
Adjective
  • Kids of mixed ages organized their own games and made up their own rules, while adults stayed mostly on the sidelines or stayed away entirely.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • But the tenth and final iteration will see a return of many cast members, who have mixed views on the show’s practices.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of mixed
Noun
  • Santoku knives are great for a large variety of tasks, and are often prized for their daily use for things like slicing cheese, cutting an apple, breaking down an onion, or chopping herbs.
    — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Studies also show that drinking tea or coffee provides a bunch of health benefits, including a potential reduction in the risk of a variety of cancers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of variety
Adjective
  • Underwood threw for 251 yards in his first collegiate start, before any of his assorted coaches could work their magic.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Choose from several assorted designs, including Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin, Apple, Scarecrow, and Acorn.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of assorted
Noun
  • With half‑year sales topping 100 billion yuan, growth is being driven by Sam’s Club expansion, e‑commerce, and relentless focus on value, assortment, and convenience.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Faherty is number two and the store will be adding boys to its men’s and womenswear assortment.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of assortment

Phrases Containing patchwork

Browse Nearby Words

patch (together)
patchwork
patchwork quilt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patchwork. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of facsimile

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All