segment 1 of 2

Definition of segmentnext
as in portion
one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled I think I lost one segment of this model kit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

segment

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word segment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of segment are division, fragment, member, part, piece, portion, and section. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

Where would division be a reasonable alternative to segment?

The synonyms division and segment are sometimes interchangeable, but division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When can fragment be used instead of segment?

The meanings of fragment and segment largely overlap; however, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

In what contexts can member take the place of segment?

While the synonyms member and segment are close in meaning, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When might part be a better fit than segment?

Although the words part and segment have much in common, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When could piece be used to replace segment?

The words piece and segment can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When would portion be a good substitute for segment?

The words portion and segment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is it sensible to use section instead of segment?

In some situations, the words section and segment are roughly equivalent. However, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

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 segment
Noun
The very tired boy still charmed his way through both shows with clever joke segments. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026 But my son still had fun playing each segment and instantly participated in the call and response. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
Wikipedia also represents an earlier, democratic vision for the open web, before giant tech platforms came to dominate and segment the internet. David Ingram, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025 Appreciate the plurality of their needs and segment them into the top three priorities. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for segment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for segment
Noun
  • That response was to a question specifically about inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who missed the Broncos’ final two regular-season games with a hamstring injury and was one of the only players not on the field during a brief portion of Friday’s workout open to reporters.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Credit card interest rates represent a significant portion of financial institutions’ revenue.
    Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Use baby Yukon gold potatoes and quarter them.
    Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The plant’s parentage is ‘Fourth of July’ x ‘Angel Face.’ ‘Fashion Forward,’ hybridized by Christian Bédard and introduced by Weeks Roses, has cuppy, quartered, old-fashioned and very double medium pink and white bicolor blooms.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Jennifer Lopez, for example, stepped out on December 6 in a slouchy shawl-collar cardigan that was equal parts festive and classic.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • For tougher soap scum, mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a microwave-safe bowl.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • No longer are films in languages other than English partitioned from consideration in other categories, save for a few outliers.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
  • In 1947: The United Nations adopted a plan to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 29 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The victim then fell into the seating section below.
    Riley Rourke, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The comment section of the reality TV star's post was flooded with congratulatory messages, while Sutherland has not yet shared the baby announcement on his social media.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While designing the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain, in the 1990s, the architect would sit by the river that bifurcates the city, looking at different metal treatments.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 6 Dec. 2025
  • This also happens at a moment where the venture capital goalposts are moving—the industry is bifurcating into asset managers and smaller shops, while politics is becoming an increasingly complicated flashpoint.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In an era where photos can circulate in seconds, public-facing figures face the pressure of the internet's desire to dissect their every move — including their appearance.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The other two instruments are really cool as well; they can both be used to dissect secrets of the cosmos, like the mystery of the universe's expansion rate (popularly called the Hubble Tension) and help with supernova modeling.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The high court divided 7-2 in siding with Congressman Michael Bost, an Illinois Republican who challenged his state's law for counting late-arriving ballots.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • But these same leaders are divided over what the structure should look like.
    Mathew Miranda January 13, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Segment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/segment. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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