piecemeal 1 of 2

as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a piecemeal attempt to remedy the traffic congestion

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piecemeal

2 of 2

adverb

1
2
as in apart
into parts or pieces one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal

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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 piecemeal
Adjective
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the White House is weighing executive action that could dismantle the department in a piecemeal fashion, citing unnamed people familiar with the matter. David Ingram, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025 The series focuses on the piecemeal nature of the investigation but also the way in which the investigation was only advocated for by the families of the women whose bodies were found, a grieving sisterhood united in advocacy. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2025
Adverb
These regulations have been lifted piecemeal over the years. Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 At present they are used piecemeal, one at a time. David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piecemeal
Adjective
  • Trends generally fall into two categories: Evolutionary Trends: These are gradual shifts – think better, faster, or cheaper versions of what already exists.
    Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Lessons in special education don't only happen in special education classes The University of Central Florida's teacher prep program has been under a gradual shift over the last seven years.
    Beth Wallis, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Yet even in this cradle of endemic life, one region stands apart, both for its diversity and its age.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With title races across Europe’s elite struggling for excitement this season, the 24-team Pitching In Isthmian Premier League stands apart.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piecemeal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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