piecemeal 1 of 2

as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion

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piecemeal

2 of 2

adverb

1
2
as in apart
into parts or pieces one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal

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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 piecemeal
Adjective
But a few months into the session, the Democratic affordability agenda has taken a piecemeal approach rather than a cohesive one with bills focused on providing lunches in K-12 schools, providing parking for homeless students and reducing utility bills. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025 But the huge demonstrations that greeted the president on his travels to the continent in his first term have been replaced by piecemeal protests more visible in kitchen cabinets than on city sidewalks. Rob Picheta, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
Adverb
These regulations have been lifted piecemeal over the years. Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 At present they are used piecemeal, one at a time. David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
  • The play’s emotional arc hangs on the gradual development of daughter and mother’s relationship — their struggle with each other, their own inner lives, and the ways in which both women love fiercely without always necessarily being able to see clearly.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • This oxygenation event, though gradual, set the stage for multicellular life.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Yet even in this cradle of endemic life, one region stands apart, both for its diversity and its age.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With title races across Europe’s elite struggling for excitement this season, the 24-team Pitching In Isthmian Premier League stands apart.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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