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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of piecemeal
Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
These circumstances pose a legal challenge for Pirro because the Supreme Court generally disfavors piecemeal appeals.
—Matt Peterson, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
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
The film on occasion calls to mind Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which did a similarly convincing job of conjuring up the tones and textures of a life remembered in piecemeal, with both fondness and ache.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
These circumstances pose a legal challenge for Pirro because the Supreme Court generally disfavors piecemeal appeals.
—Matt Peterson, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Whatever extra cash drivers throw into the congestion pricing till — in fact, all toll revenue — must go through a new state financial counting house and be given back piecemeal to the MTA when expenses are fully reviewed for reasonable cost.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
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
-
The effect appeared gradual and cumulative over time.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The rollout is expected to mark a gradual transition from testing environments to real-world deployment of fully unmanned driving systems.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The Suns led by nine in the first quarter, but the Thunder gradually regained control and led for the entire second half.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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These Birkenstock Arizonas are also made with their signature cork footbeds, which can mold to the shape of your feet gradually to improve comfort and support your foot health.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Despite spirited performances in Games 2 and 3, the Hawks fell apart in the rest of the series.—
Lauren Williams,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
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Two are set apart with separate access, offering a bit more privacy—useful for guests, staff, or anyone who might want to use that portion of the house more independently.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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