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an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays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
Their argument is that a patchwork of rules across states is too complicated. — Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 Fashionable expressions of this could be a patchwork bag or a pair of electric lime heels; for the home, Nordic Knots’ hand-knotted rug is a fun take on British gardens. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 26 July 2026 And this growing patchwork of tariffs on specific countries and products may mean an increasingly complicated scheme for importers to follow. — Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 24 July 2026 Many in the industry have favored a preemption measure to avoid complying with a complicated patchwork of regulations. — Victoria Baeza Garcia, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 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
  • The California rapper-producer’s new album sifts through an eclectic pileup of influences with X-ray vision, exposing his artistic process and still keeping it breezy.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
  • The dessert and wine bar sets the tone of an at-home kickback, with warm lighting, eclectic art and cozy sections.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 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
  • Explanations for this varied among sources, and officially, Sotheby’s said they had been asked too late to do facilitate the sale, despite their initial acceptance.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The pairing of those two backs, plus the threat of Maiava’s legs, gives USC a varied backfield capable of breaking a big play at any moment.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of varied
Noun
  • The party took an old-school turn when Charlie Wilson treated fans to a medley of solo hits and Gap Band classics.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 July 2026
  • First, Christmas carolers came out and performed a medley to cultivate a Yuletide spirit on a balmy 80-degree afternoon.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of medley
Adjective
  • That trade-off never went away; it just became formalized over time into beam cutoffs, alignment standards, and eventually modern photometric rules that try (with mixed success) to balance visibility for the driver against glare for everyone else.
    — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Citi cut its price target on Linde to $580 from $600 after mixed second-quarter earnings Friday morning.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of mixed
Noun
  • Lionfish supplanted indigenous stocks like the red mullet to the dismay of fishers, who have seen local varieties popular with customers greatly diminish.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • But the Idaho Statesman covered a wide variety of other news.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of variety
Adjective
  • In Lil Sumn Sumn, Ouzts blends family stories with discussion of dating struggles, pop culture takes, and assorted social observations.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Served on a lazy Susan, multiple scoops of ice cream are surrounded by mini cones, berries, hot fudge, caramel, M&M’s, Reese’s, and other assorted chocolates.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Definition of assorted
Noun
  • Petsense offers pet toys and food, grooming supplies, and a small assortment of rodents, reptiles, and fish.
    — Gabe Hauari, Florida Times-Union, 30 July 2026
  • Colored denim has become an important complement to core denim assortments, and brands and consumers are gravitating toward effortless soft and sun-washed tones.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 July 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 5 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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