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
Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
Jothilingam’s projects are intentionally scalable, since the systems connected to his research and patents are designed for piecemeal installation.
—K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025
However, overall stats for veterans and disabled individuals continue to be piecemeal, tracking with their invisibility both in conversations surrounding equity and basic accessibility.
—Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Adjective
The department has taken a piecemeal approach to releasing the files, which are expected to contain hundreds of thousands of pages.
—Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
Jothilingam’s projects are intentionally scalable, since the systems connected to his research and patents are designed for piecemeal installation.
—K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
Adverb
In the United States, regulation has emerged piecemeal at the state level, creating a legal patchwork that varies dramatically depending on jurisdiction.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025
However, overall stats for veterans and disabled individuals continue to be piecemeal, tracking with their invisibility both in conversations surrounding equity and basic accessibility.
—Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
-
This time around, her wavy lob is cut at a soft, gradual angle, so that the front dips only slightly longer than the back.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
13 Jan. 2026
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Through food rewards and gradual trust-building, the birds learn to travel in a crate and to sit on a perch and a glove during a program.—
Beth Lipoff,
Kansas City Star,
12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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But Roto-Rooter has gradually repurchased most of its old franchisees and expanded its service business.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Wednesday will be mostly cloudy before gradually becoming more sunny.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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The two women are decades apart in age, yet their connection feels seamless.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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American bistro Betsy and Thai restaurant Miya sit a few doors apart, offering comfort and connection.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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