piece 1 of 2

1
2
as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production presented a new interpretation of the piece by Mozart

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group believes his piece of the profits should be higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

piece

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word piece distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of piece are division, fragment, member, part, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is division a more appropriate choice than piece?

While in some cases nearly identical to piece, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When can fragment be used instead of piece?

While the synonyms fragment and piece are close in meaning, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

Where would member be a reasonable alternative to piece?

In some situations, the words member and piece are roughly equivalent. However, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When might part be a better fit than piece?

The words part and piece can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would portion be a good substitute for piece?

Although the words portion and piece have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace piece?

The meanings of section and piece largely overlap; however, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can segment take the place of piece?

The words segment and piece are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 piece
Noun
The public offers a piece of its mind Mic's Celeste Katz discloses that Trump's controversial voter fraud panel won't let the public speak at its first meeting on July 19 but did solicit emails. The Hive, 14 July 2017 Alan Jacobs, a professor at Baylor University, has written eloquently about that last piece. Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 14 July 2017
Verb
In the chaos, the team digitally piece the hull back together. Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025 Christina Ricci is a joy to watch in this episode as Misty gleefully pieces everything together. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piece
Noun
  • The restoration works enhanced the grotto’s surface and its rich and elaborate scheme, made of rustic, polychrome and multi-material mosaics featuring shells, glass pastes, semi-precious stones, stone fragments and mineral crusts.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
  • These represent fragments of all the things that might currently be on your mind.
    Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By analyzing the colors and structures within the dust cocoons, scientists infer the composition, density and temperature of the gas and dust — crucial insights into the conditions necessary for stars to ignite. 5.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Industry experts believe that, to mitigate growing risks in complex software and AI, clear visibility into their composition is crucial.
    Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Johnson also spoke about the importance of properly securing firearms and using gun locks.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Many aspects of American life—for instance, the view held by many Americans that freedom and the right to bear firearms are inextricable—do not resonate outside the United States.
    RANA MITTER, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Colorado’s collared gray wolves continued to travel widely last month — even roaming in watersheds that reach into the western portions of metro Denver, according to a new map released this week by state wildlife officials.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While most telecom infrastructure companies race to build the next big thing in telecom, Grindle is focusing on something even more important: people.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Combined with technology companies strengthening their security features, the momentum for these eco-friendly digital tools continues to build.
    Allison Begalman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With about 100 vendors, there is a little bit of everything here, from jewelry to pickles and hot sauce to collectible items like coins and comic books.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, the ending is solved by a convenient bit of technobabble, but even that could be seen as spoofing Trek.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Harry, who was honored at the 2024 event for his work as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan during his 10 years in the military, joined Morgan Freeman and others in celebrating the aerial firefighters involved with the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles in January.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • His work involved securing software using AI to find and close any loopholes where someone could exploit a vulnerability in the code.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple instances of gun violence occur outside of New York City Public Schools, often involving students and school safety staff.
    Savanah Jackson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Another recording, from a nearby security camera apparently without sound, appeared to show Lauren chambering a round and raising the gun, followed by police bullets kicking up dirt near her feet a moment after.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piece. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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