piece 1 of 2

Definition of piecenext
1
2
as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production presented a new interpretation of the piece by Mozart

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group believes his piece of the profits should be higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

piece

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word piece distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of piece are division, fragment, member, part, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is division a more appropriate choice than piece?

While in some cases nearly identical to piece, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When can fragment be used instead of piece?

While the synonyms fragment and piece are close in meaning, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

Where would member be a reasonable alternative to piece?

In some situations, the words member and piece are roughly equivalent. However, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When might part be a better fit than piece?

The words part and piece can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would portion be a good substitute for piece?

Although the words portion and piece have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace piece?

The meanings of section and piece largely overlap; however, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can segment take the place of piece?

The words segment and piece are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 piece
Noun
Colored wide-leg pants are perfect for those seeking a fresh piece that’s full of personality. Mayte Salido, Glamour, 13 June 2026 Remember the store at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; every piece had an artist’s name and tribal affiliation connected to it. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Verb
Milton was one or two plays away from some elite wins early on in the year, and have finally pieced them together as winners in seven of its last eight to crack the top 10. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026 Detective Garrett Silva, who helped piece the murder solicitation case together, was promoted to sergeant with the K9 unit. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for piece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piece
Noun
  • The lithosphere, however, is not a single piece but is divided into puzzle-like fragments called tectonic plates, according to the USGS.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • One photo shows the fragments of a bomb.
    Sarah Dean, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Bigger display fireworks, such as salutes that contain two grains – 130 milligrams – of explosive materials and professional-grade aerial shells with more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, can't be purchased for recreational use.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 12 June 2026
  • That layered structure is typical of modern honey fragrances, where the note works alongside fruit, flower or tobacco accords to keep the composition wearable.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Before the children could respond, the suspects allegedly grabbed the cash box, with one flashing a black firearm tucked into his waistband.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
  • The 15-year-old boy is charged with criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor and tampering with/fabricating physical evidence.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • The district encompasses Elk Grove and portions of Sacramento.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • The country with the second largest portion of companies on the list is France, which is one of the leading renewable energy producers and sustainability innovators in the EU with a €240 million plan unveiled in April to further reduce its fossil fuel reliance.
    Charlotte Hu, Time, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • The half-court defense also showed up stronger for Atlanta going into the second quarter, resulting in a 10-2 run to build the team’s momentum.
    Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 12 June 2026
  • Arasheben always builds two extra into his contract so each of his sons can have one.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Sunday brings a little bit of everything.
    Damien Lodes, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Drill bit makers who serve the oil and gas industry are replacing tungsten drill bits with steel, which wears more quickly.
    Ari Sen, Scientific American, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Wellness gurus will also appreciate the range of treatments and healing modalities on offer at The Lotus Spa, from classic massages and facials to Reiki energy work and sound baths.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • Rather than focusing on recent struggles, Mattingly pointed toward the larger body of work that made Bichette one of the American League's most productive young hitters during his years in Toronto.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Today, visitors can explore the fortress, spread out for a picnic on the green lawn and take in sweeping views of America’s Oldest City from the gun deck.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • The purpose and the extent of hunting were radically altered by the arrival of European guns and markets—the killing of wild animals became an occupation with commercial ends, for both whites and Indians; and wild hides and wild meat became the goods of an insatiable marketplace.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piece. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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