as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in gradually
by small steps or amounts
remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of piecemeal
Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025
And over time, these piecemeal adjustments have created a system so complex that even well-meaning changes produce unintended negative consequences.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Apple has been playing catch-up for a year, rolling out AI features piecemeal.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Adjective
Two paths Diagnosing the slide’s safety came within the framework of a larger discussion – should the city continue to make smaller, piecemeal repairs, while the overall site still needs larger renovations?
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025
And over time, these piecemeal adjustments have created a system so complex that even well-meaning changes produce unintended negative consequences.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adverb
Yet many still juggle piecemeal financial solutions.
—Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Apple has been playing catch-up for a year, rolling out AI features piecemeal.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
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The storm is moving toward the west-northwest and this motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days with a gradual decrease in forward speed.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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The chart shows steady collections around $2-4 billion from 2015-2017, followed by gradual increases to $6-8 billion through 2020-2024, then a sharp upward spike in 2025 reaching a peak of $27.2 billion in June 2025.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
31 July 2025
Adverb
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The incredible moment a dog was reunited with her sick puppy in hospital after four days apart has left internet users fighting back tears.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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But according to league sources briefed on discussions from the Twins’ side, talks fell apart when the Red Sox were unwilling to offer any of their big league outfielders, or an enticing enough package of their top-tier prospects.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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