as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in gradually
by small steps or amounts
remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Ironically enough, the #Resistance that replaced Trump in 2021 largely kept his tariff regime in place, with piecemeal exemptions for the U.K., Japan, and the European Union.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 28 May 2025
Will the show be sold globally to one streamer, or piecemeal to outlets in the U.S. and internationally?
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Adjective
And over time, these piecemeal adjustments have created a system so complex that even well-meaning changes produce unintended negative consequences.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Ironically enough, the #Resistance that replaced Trump in 2021 largely kept his tariff regime in place, with piecemeal exemptions for the U.K., Japan, and the European Union.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Adverb
After all these decades, astronomers want something shiny, fully modern and more capable: a new build with all the bells and whistles rather than a charming old Colonial that’s been remodeled piecemeal.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 28 May 2025
Will the show be sold globally to one streamer, or piecemeal to outlets in the U.S. and internationally?
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
-
The strategy focuses on implementing a gradual approach to integrate FERNRIDE-enabled autonomous terminal tractors at HHLA TK Estonia without safety drivers.—
Richard Bishop,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Annual fatality rates in TxDOT’s Fort Worth district — encompassing Tarrant, Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell and Wise counties — displayed a gradual rise before spiking in 2021.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 July 2025
Adverb
-
Published in June 2024 by Erewhon Books, the novel is a described as a story about a family falling apart as well as the making of a female serial killer from a Korean-American perspective.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
9 July 2025
-
Unlike other thin, fragile flats that offer little wear before falling apart, these are reinforced with Vionic’s trademark cushioning, a removable insert, and premium upper materials.—
Kayla Blanton,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share