as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion
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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
Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Republicans say that's necessary to avoid piecemeal legislation that could restrict access to guns in certain Indiana cities and counties.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
The ride was lifted piecemeal by crane up to the fourth floor.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Adjective
Starship Simulator promises to bring the immersive elements that other titles have provided piecemeal all altogether in one massive gestalt simulation that, if successful, could steal hundreds of hours of your (and your friends') time.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Republicans say that's necessary to avoid piecemeal legislation that could restrict access to guns in certain Indiana cities and counties.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
Adverb
Personal details emerge piecemeal, in no particular order, always in connection with the music with which they are entangled.
—Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
The ride was lifted piecemeal by crane up to the fourth floor.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
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According to a forecast from AccuWeather, a gradual moderation in temperatures is expected to develop during the second week of February across the Midwest and eastern United States.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
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After several years of gradual development amid shifting roles and a major shoulder injury, Dosunmu cemented himself as an elite two-way player this season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Flick was wary of the youngster experiencing a setback, given recent cases involving other young players and preferred to bring him back gradually.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Over centuries, silt gradually pushed the shoreline further away, contributing to Ephesus’ abandonment by the time of the Ottoman era in the 15th century.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Scoop ¼-cupfuls of batter into pan, spacing evenly apart.—
Ken Haedrich,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Feb. 2026
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Zesica Collared Maxi Dress A preppy twist sets this maxi dress apart.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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