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
Experts said that if Duffy’s rule becomes final, consumers’ safety in areas where drones become a routine part of delivery would be protected because the FAA will require a more uniform approach to regulating drones, rather than a piecemeal approach that incorporates some uncertainty. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025 Eighty-three percent deliver responsible AI in a piecemeal manner. Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Though the White House originally attempted sweeping, universal tariffs—including a 10% blanket rate—the policy has grown more piecemeal due to both legal challenges and strategic considerations. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 July 2025 But these efforts are typically piecemeal, lacking a streamlined way to host meetings and integrate food. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
  • Talks are focusing on unwinding that whole cut in gradual monthly increments and the group has reached an agreement in principle to raise output by at least 135,000 bpd from October, two sources said.
    Robert Ilich, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone 17 Apple's vanilla one-size-fits-most iPhone is always the centerpiece of the lineup, and this year's iteration is expected to bring the typical batch of gradual iterative upgrades.
    Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Start with low-risk applications, learn from the results and gradually expand to higher-stakes uses.
    Matt Lowe, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Two Pianos begins in the thick of night, saturated in the sepia shadows of the Vieux Lyon quarter’s historic architecture and cobblestone streets, and moves gradually toward a crisp autumn light.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Followed by more screams, each one a few minutes apart, released by the 150 or so people lined up on the North Avenue jetty, facing the skyline.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • When, last year, Oasis announced a reunion tour after 15 years apart, the internet promptly combusted.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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