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

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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an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays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
The patchwork stands include one ending abruptly a little over halfway down the touchline due to the houses just behind making further construction impossible. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 There are also cute graphic tees, crew sweaters and sweatshirts, plus a patchwork bomber jacket for an early-fall top layer. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Cost-of-living concerns extended to the grocery aisle, where 71% supported creating a uniform national standard for ingredient labeling rather than maintaining a patchwork of different state requirements. — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026 The current reality is a complicated and controversial patchwork of laws across the country. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 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
  • Instead, an eclectic mix of African textiles, Japanese artworks, Turkish rugs, and British ceramics mirrors the round-the-world curiosities of the neighboring British Museum.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fantastic Fest, the most reliably eclectic and unapologetically strange American film festival on the fall calendar, has unveiled a lineup that promises to delight any cinephile whose tastes lie outside the conventional.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 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 varied multi-pool complex with a firepit anchors the property with appealing amenities for every age.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Its 1,300-plus acres encompass hardwood forests, native grasslands, mature pecan groves, and seven miles of trails that wind through the varied terrain.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of varied
Noun
  • That fruity medley is both tart and sweet, followed by growing waves of baking spice, cardamom, and toasted oak.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, the lawsuits have produced a medley of deals and new disputes.
    — Charlotte Isidore, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of medley
Adjective
  • Ampadu signed for Chelsea from Exeter City in 2017, joining at the age of 16, but made only 12 appearances and had mixed experiences during loan spells at Sheffield United, RB Leipzig, Venezia and Spezia.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Complex documents with tables, charts and mixed content need each content type scored separately, since a model can nail text while mangling a table.
    — Sriram Bhargav Madhav, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of mixed
Noun
  • The space is textured and varied, designed like an extension of a variety of natural environments.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Downs continues to play well in a variety of areas, including coming up to stop the run.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of variety
Adjective
  • The situation has become so bad that Russia – normally one of the world’s leading energy exporters – is now facing severe nationwide gas shortages, leading to rationing in its assorted regions and mounting local discontent.
    — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Its mission to let the breeze in and keep the mosquitos, pesky flies and assorted vermin out appears simple, but its impact goes beyond that.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of assorted
Noun
  • More than 70 volunteers from an assortment of organizations were ready Wednesday afternoon at Haven Hollow Park in Portage Township.
    — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • An assortment of loose-fit tees and sweatshirts featuring Arnold’s famous photos round out the collection.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of assortment

Phrases Containing patchwork

Browse Nearby Words

patch (together)
patchwork
patchwork quilt
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Cite this Entry

“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patchwork. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Nglish: Translation of patchwork for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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