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
To explain its results, RealorRender identifies the suspicious regions of images as heatmaps (grids of colored squares indicating intensity, as with topographical maps) and segments of contiguous image elements. New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 Although its 25 brands stretch from economy to luxury, Wyndham is primarily concentrated in the economy and midscale segments. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 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' decision to run for governor left open his seat in the 10th District, which includes a portion of Oakland County and stretches across conservative communities in Macomb County.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Temperatures reached at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days in some areas in late July, the country’s longest such streak on record, and heatstroke alerts have repeatedly covered large portions of the country.
    Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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
  • In the neighborhood, which is actually the oldest part of Prague, there are mostly residential buildings, embassies, and local offices.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And Art the Clown’s mime-of-mayhem harlequin ghoulishness is part of the extremity.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Aug. 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
  • Garwood, a supervisory civil engineer in the stormwater section of Overland Park’s Public Works Department, was conducting the city’s regular inspection of the South Park Lake dam.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The live chat will take place in the comments section below on site and in the PEOPLE App.
    Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Was the discursive thread accidental, or emblematic of the two poles the AI industry is now bifurcated between?
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The former president’s annual summer playlists have become a cultural event, generating a widespread discussion on social media as fans dissect his music choices and debate notable inclusions and omissions.
    Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to the UK was short-lived, but royal enthusiasts continue to dissect the trip.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Pezeshkian and his camp have pushed back, portraying IRIB as dividing the country at the time of war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Later on Friday, Infantino said the plan was to strengthen such bodies, not divide world soccer.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Segment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/segment. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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