Definition of piecenext
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
Larger pieces of fabric and prototype samples without too many imperfections are sorted for reuse, as well as smaller pieces of leather. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Then a judge had to order the state to rewrite its puff-piece ballot description into something that says what the amendment will actually do. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Advertisement Adams, watching from Anna’s side of the revelation, says Anna is piecing it together at nearly the same moment Max is. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026 Among the most harrowing was an overhead photograph of Rivas’ body pieced back together on a metal table, her face skeletonized. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for piece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piece
Noun
  • The star is 2,160,000 ppb of low-molecular-weight collagen—in other words, smaller collagen fragments that help draw moisture to skin for a plumper, firmer look.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This test, as well as others like it, can detect tiny fragments of free-floating DNA in the blood.
    — H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Suddenly a rock song might be built of modular units that could be rearranged, whether in composition or on the fly.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The composition of the legislature will be a key factor regarding the ability to achieve reforms.
    — Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Jurors did convict Martin and Payton of being felons in possession of firearms and found allegations of prior felony convictions to be true.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Former police colonel Christiaan Prinsloo was convicted in 2016 after stealing more than 2,000 firearms from police stores and selling them on, including to gangs.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Each portion of the exhibit has illustrated diagrams detailing that part of the human anatomy.
    — Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The recording includes hesitations and human interventions rather than presenting only the successful portions of the operation.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • By the end of last year, 65 Marriott associates provided more than 680 hours of mentorship, helping refugee women build confidence and job skills, as well as find opportunities for work.
    — Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This whole bit is totally misplayed (though the gown is spectacular).
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Yet beneath that paper-like surface is a surprisingly simple bit of physics.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Designed for ranch work and rugged driving, the Terra pickup features green paint, 37-inch tires on 18-inch wheels, heavy-duty side steps, a front bull bar, a roof basket with lights, and expanded cargo-bed storage.
    — Chase Jordan October 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But early mornings and after-work hours tend to be the busiest times.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • About the shot in the trailer where Garfield’s Altman goes into a bunker with a bunch of guns?
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Sacramento County sheriff’s officials recovered the weapon used by the 34-year-old man fatally shot by deputies Sunday near Marconi and Eastern avenues and said he had been arrested on gun charges at the same intersection in June.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piece. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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