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
Musk, who hailed the Cybertruck as the future of the pickup truck segment, said in a post on X early Friday morning that the end of production at the massive facility would make room for manufacturing of its Cybercab robotaxi. — Michael Wayland,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 On Friday, the Dutch jeweler will be finally throwing her hat into this segment that continues to shine even as luxury turned gloomy, with the unveiling of her first high jewelry designs in Amsterdam. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
That required segmenting the coil and inserting electronics within it to keep it from radiating its energy away like an antenna. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026 If a judge overturned Tuesday’s court ruling to extend polling place times, the provisional ballots would help election officials segment out votes cast after polls were originally scheduled to close. — Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for segment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for segment
Noun
  • Caltrans said that during the portion of the closure, those lanes will be free for everyone to use to get through the traffic.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Hard to believe, but the postseason is underway for a large portion of the country, with everyone else to follow suit next week.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Head down, the deer came closer, quartering across the field.
    — Don J. Dinndorf, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than being pulled or shredded, the pork is quartered, its skin rendered crisp in the oven throughout the day, and then chopped to order by weight and dressed with a South Carolina-style vinegar sauce.
    — Hilary Cadigan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Chicago builds quantum hub The arrival of System Two is part of a broader effort to position Illinois as a center for quantum technology and microelectronics.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Chazi Rutz, a professional skydiver from Arizona, told The Times that the two skydivers were part of a group training to set a California record for largest formation in the upright orientation performed by women.
    — Iris Kwok Follow Nov. 6, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Meta and OpenAI use virtual machines, which partition a server into several lighter virtual computers, so one server can support scores of users.
    — Kif Leswing,Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Recent history recalls plans to partition Iraq into ethnic substates.
    — David Armitage, Washington Post, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Testing a critical component The Mk21A serves as the front-end payload section of the Sentinel ICBM.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • When the rhythm section drops away, her voice hangs among flute, synthesiser, and reverberation; when the rhythm returns, the bass feels newly physical.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Major economic forecasters and industry groups anticipate a solid, albeit bifurcated, 2026 holiday shopping season.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • An idea is floating around to bifurcate parking meter prices, adding a surcharge of 25 to 50 cents an hour for non-Chicagoans who park in the city, according to Ald.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Two of the Heartbreakers dissect the new Origins 1971-1978 box set and open up about their recent onstage reunion in Nashville.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This will likely be the highest-volume election betting week in world history, providing researchers a fresh and robust set of data points to dissect.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Chiplets and advanced packaging Chiplet designs divide a system’s functions among smaller semiconductor dies connected within a single package.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Those benefits focus on food security, economic mobility and reconnecting neighborhoods divided by the highway.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Segment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/segment. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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