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
In the company’s view, such piecemeal offerings can no longer stand. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025 Both studios had fantastic teams, huge worldwide distribution, so no need to sell the movie piecemeal, country by country. Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Adverb
There are plenty of reasons why gallery rails and rods can be a smarter choice than hanging a gallery wall of art in piecemeal. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025 Instead of taking on those unsexy necessities piecemeal, the city should finally embed them into a vision that stirs the blood: a park transformed rather than tweaked. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
  • This is partly because many states don’t immediately enforce legislation for all children, allowing for gradual phase-in periods.
    Anthony Bald, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
  • But gradual increases are now visible.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • During the two years Échale operated at the Lumberyard, its menu gradually evolved from tacos to a more California-Mediterranean style of food.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The new Zeekr model, developed with Chinese automaker Geely, is designed specifically for robotaxi use cases and will be rolled out gradually as the company expands its service.
    Akash Sriram, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The affiliative joke wants to belong; the adversarial joke wants to set apart.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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