: done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in a fragmentary way
piecemeal reforms in the system
Synonyms
Examples of piecemeal in a Sentence
Adverb
remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints
one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal
Adjective
They've done piecemeal repairs in the past, but the bridge now needs major reconstruction.
Some people want the changes to be made all at once, but I think we should take a more piecemeal approach.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
In the ’90s, Marvel sold movie rights to its characters piecemeal in an attempt to inject some cash into its flailing comics business.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 25 July 2024
Phil Hay, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Policymakers must go beyond piecemeal bans and phase-outs, implementing comprehensive frameworks that target the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for piecemeal 
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Adverb
Funding is fairly piecemeal: A federal grant covers some school districts.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
In the ’90s, Marvel sold movie rights to its characters piecemeal in an attempt to inject some cash into its flailing comics business.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 25 July 2024
Adjective
Quelle surprise: a squad built with piecemeal incompetence (and for other coaches) is struggling to get to grips with Amorim’s system.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Policymakers must go beyond piecemeal bans and phase-outs, implementing comprehensive frameworks that target the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for piecemeal
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Dictionary Entries Near piecemeal
Cite this Entry
“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piecemeal. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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