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an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays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
Many have adopted a patchwork approach that involves different training programs, policies and processes across locations. — Katherin Nukk-Freeman, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Miami’s new management of Sullivan and Hafley didn’t do any patchwork roster moves. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 That meant there was no single office, agency or organization capable of addressing residents’ concerns, but a patchwork of agencies where responsibility is fragmented. — Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 The outbreak has shown signs of slowing since, but experts caution that the recovery may be patchwork. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 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
  • Other eclectic lots under a grand are also up for grabs, including 12 prop food pieces from the Pee-wee Playhouse refrigerator.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Its eclectic programming includes large retrospectives, international conferences and as well as exhibitions, exploring the work and careers of filmmakers such as Bela Tarr, Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Alex van Warmerdam among many others.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 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
  • But in typical Davies fashion, the five-hour miniseries distinguishes itself for tackling its subject so head on and with such varied and visceral feeling, as manifested especially by Cumming and David Morrissey as a pair of feuding neighbors.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Some pundits are heralding the end of Nike’s chokehold on the athlete marketing space, while others predict a turn toward a more varied sector.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of varied
Noun
  • Sombr, Raye, Teddy Swims, Raye, and surprise guest Adam Lambert put on their best leather to celebrate the legacy of George Michael tonight with a medley of songs at the MTV Video Music Awards.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Derived from the Italian word for garden, Chicago-style giardiniera is a veggie medley cured in vinegar and packed in oil, with a satisfyingly crunchy flavor profile ranging from briny to tangy to hot.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of medley
Adjective
  • Scandium’s role in aerospace and advanced technology Rare earth separation involves converting mixed material into individual oxides used across advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The measure has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that early intervention could reduce per-student costs over time and opponents saying property owners already face rising costs and the district should use existing resources.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of mixed
Noun
  • The bookshelf in our king-bedroom suite featured a variety of titles - from coffee table books chronicling early twentieth-century Miami to art history books to beachy novels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • One of two lists from the White House showed that China planned to trim duties on a variety of US agricultural goods including corn, wheat, sorghum, meat, dairy, vegetable oils and meals.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of variety
Adjective
  • In a wet year when food is plentiful, your best bet is to hunt over soft mast like muscadines and assorted berries; native grasses and legumes.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • However, assorted studies suggest that hair overall tends to grow faster during the summer months, possibly due to hormones released more abundantly in warmer temperatures.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of assorted
Noun
  • The taquería offers a full menu with an assortment of Mexican food, including carne asada, enchiladas, quesadillas, tortas, and breakfast burritos, but the chain is best known for its tacos and super-sized burritos.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The two-level size will allow Uniqlo to showcase its full LifeWear assortment, the chief executive officer said.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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