piece 1 of 2

1
2
as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production presented a new interpretation of the piece by Mozart

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group believes his piece of the profits should be higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

piece

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word piece distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of piece are division, fragment, member, part, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is division a more appropriate choice than piece?

While in some cases nearly identical to piece, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When can fragment be used instead of piece?

While the synonyms fragment and piece are close in meaning, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

Where would member be a reasonable alternative to piece?

In some situations, the words member and piece are roughly equivalent. However, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When might part be a better fit than piece?

The words part and piece can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would portion be a good substitute for piece?

Although the words portion and piece have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace piece?

The meanings of section and piece largely overlap; however, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can segment take the place of piece?

The words segment and piece are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 piece
Noun
The public offers a piece of its mind Mic's Celeste Katz discloses that Trump's controversial voter fraud panel won't let the public speak at its first meeting on July 19 but did solicit emails. The Hive, 14 July 2017 Alan Jacobs, a professor at Baylor University, has written eloquently about that last piece. Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 14 July 2017
Verb
In the chaos, the team digitally piece the hull back together. Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025 Christina Ricci is a joy to watch in this episode as Misty gleefully pieces everything together. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piece
Noun
  • Bread sold in six different states has been voluntarily recalled after fragments of glass were found on top of the bread, the Food and Drug Administration has announced.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Stencils and fragments of text are also incorporated.
    Stephanie Rudig, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Top Ocean Predators This transition shifted the composition of top predators in the ocean, essentially changing the oceanic food webs of the Late Cretaceous, according to Valentin Fischer of the Université de Liège in Belgium and his colleagues.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • Given the trades, personnel choices, position against the cap and current composition of the Heat roster, shouldn’t the front office be held accountable?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • This is recommended by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as firearm trade associations and firearm businesses.
    Anne Ritter, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
  • Without the protections, Harry and Meghan would not have firearm protection when visiting his home country.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Colorado’s collared gray wolves continued to travel widely last month — even roaming in watersheds that reach into the western portions of metro Denver, according to a new map released this week by state wildlife officials.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And when the focus shifts from guarding what’s been built to cultivating what’s possible next.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • The Capitals built a 2-0 lead, with Orlov assisting on Washington’s second goal.
    Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Just kind of having a little bit of a different style of play.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
  • Maurice conceded to having a little bit of a fan in him while coaching in this series.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Like in many of the cases across the country, the judge granted the order, allowing Daou to return to work, and ensuring his visa would not be terminated and he would not be detained or deported without due process.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, award-winning author Pico Iyer was honored with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and Amanda Gorman received the Innovator’s Award for her work promoting literacy, empowering youth and raising awareness on important issues.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple instances of gun violence occur outside of New York City Public Schools, often involving students and school safety staff.
    Savanah Jackson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Another recording, from a nearby security camera apparently without sound, appeared to show Lauren chambering a round and raising the gun, followed by police bullets kicking up dirt near her feet a moment after.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piece. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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