as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in gradually
by small steps or amounts
remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of piecemeal
Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
In response to the backlash, which has been ongoing ever since, the company has half-acquiesced to public pressure and made piecemeal efforts at image rehabilitation.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Personal details emerge piecemeal, in no particular order, always in connection with the music with which they are entangled.
—Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Adjective
Illinois needs a comprehensive restructuring of its dysfunctional property tax system, not more piecemeal patches.
—Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
In response to the backlash, which has been ongoing ever since, the company has half-acquiesced to public pressure and made piecemeal efforts at image rehabilitation.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
When to consider debt relief for an overdrawn account
For many people, an overdrawn bank account is just a symptom of deeper financial instability, and addressing all your debts together can be more effective than tackling them piecemeal.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Personal details emerge piecemeal, in no particular order, always in connection with the music with which they are entangled.
—Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
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The gradual repayment will lessen an immediate budget strain.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
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This produces defects that can reduce efficiency, cause gradual degradation, and compromise stability as well as long-term reliability.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Olson’s home began as a modest bunkhouse in 1959 and gradually evolved into a modular layout over the years, growing with Olson and his family.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
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The low-level jet responsible for the strongest winds is gradually shifting eastward, but blizzard conditions are expected to persist through the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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For Nissan, their reliability numbers is truly what sets them apart, in addition to the exterior aesthetics that have always been the Armada’s strong suit.—
Marc D. Grasso,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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While Western-style utility knives can make similar cuts, what really sets the petty knife apart is its pronounced heel—the part of the blade that elevates the handle off the cutting board.—
Jesse Raub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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