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an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays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
Chappell’s best tip for an elevated and cohesive patchwork-style backsplash is to pay attention to the scale of the patterns. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 The verdant layers offer unique vantage points across the patchwork of rice fields and jungle. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 But industry sources say the patchwork of policies hasn’t kept up with growing awareness around the potential mental health perils of child stardom. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026 Global problems no longer attract global solutions but rather a patchwork of short-term fixes. — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 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
  • This trend is visible in sectors like consumer goods and retail, where companies are using AI to manage varied products and training needs while navigating narrow profit margins.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Consumers should anticipate higher costs, varied sizes, and are advised to purchase their sweet potatoes early for Thanksgiving.
    — Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • Deborah Riley Draper directed film the film on the mixed media artist who created with photos, newspaper clippings, oils, ink, fabric and other material.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Recent appointments of prominent Black and mixed race hair professionals to key roles at brands have signaled some change at more of a visible topline level.
    — Ava Welsing-Kitcher, Allure, 24 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
  • Hershey’s Halloween lineup also includes assorted bags with Jolly Ranchers and gummy candies like Twizzlers, fueled by consumer research by the company that showed that most parents are likely to buy gummy candies early in the fall season.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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