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
Fee growth is driven by net system growth, a mix shift to the higher fee luxury segment and margin expansion. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 11 July 2026 The five-and-a-half-minute segment carried a celebratory tone. Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Verb
Their body is soft, and under magnification, is distinctly segmented. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026 But Stevens said the treatment patients take will segment according to the other health conditions a person has on top of obesity, such as fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for segment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for segment
Noun
  • James McConnell The 21-year-old central midfielder returned to action at the end of last season, playing for the under-21s and training with the first team after an injury kept him out of action for a large portion of the campaign.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Students are expected to return to the building when classes begin in August, although portions of the project will continue through most of November.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Which amendment prohibits quartering of troops in homes during peacetime?
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, break the cauliflower into small florets, halving or quartering the larger ones, and rinse well.
    Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Occasional spikiness has always been a part of his personality.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The blaze at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar, the city’s deadliest in 17 years, broke out late Sunday in a northern part of the Thai capital.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Recent history recalls plans to partition Iraq into ethnic substates.
    David Armitage, Washington Post, 26 June 2026
  • In August 1947 the Indian subcontinent achieved independence from British rule but was simultaneously partitioned into the separate countries India and Pakistan.
    Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • The section’s vague language and many loopholes could have a chilling effect on any research that studies the effects of a disease, policy or public health intervention on any specific group of people, Rafla-Yuan said.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Starting Monday night, the section of Interstate 84 between the Black Canyon interchange at Exit 13 and the Oregon state line will be undergoing repairs.
    Noah Daly July 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • London said the rental market is bifurcated, with older apartment complexes generally fuller than newer ones.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • The market has also bifurcated, favoring experienced sponsors.
    Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Join forces and sign up for our subscriber-exclusive newsletter dissecting House of the Dragon season three.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • From the frantic frenzy surrounding royal nuptials to the way the internet dissected every possible clue from Zendaya and Tom Holland before they were revealed to have officially tied the knot, weddings like these are a cultural event.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Democrats divided over Israeli conduct Khanna is the second Democrat considering a White House bid to visit the region this week.
    Rami Ayyub, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • That might mean structured group tasks in which pupils have to negotiate disagreement rather than simply divide the workload.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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