Definition of segmentnext
as in portion
one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled I think I lost one segment of this model kit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

segment

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word segment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of segment are division, fragment, member, part, piece, portion, and section. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

Where would division be a reasonable alternative to segment?

The synonyms division and segment are sometimes interchangeable, but division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When can fragment be used instead of segment?

The meanings of fragment and segment largely overlap; however, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

In what contexts can member take the place of segment?

While the synonyms member and segment are close in meaning, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When might part be a better fit than segment?

Although the words part and segment have much in common, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When could piece be used to replace segment?

The words piece and segment can be used in similar contexts, but piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When would portion be a good substitute for segment?

The words portion and segment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is it sensible to use section instead of segment?

In some situations, the words section and segment are roughly equivalent. However, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

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 segment
Noun
Business segments Semiconductors SK hynix makes memory chips for computers, smartphones, and AI systems, including HBM chips. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026 This perhaps explains Hill’s recent push in the running segment — a more forward-thinking category than the brand’s legacy classics — where new developments have already shown positive improvements. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
That required segmenting the coil and inserting electronics within it to keep it from radiating its energy away like an antenna. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026 If a judge overturned Tuesday’s court ruling to extend polling place times, the provisional ballots would help election officials segment out votes cast after polls were originally scheduled to close. — Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for segment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for segment
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
  • One of the animals had been fully skinned while the other had been quartered.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Which amendment prohibits quartering of troops in homes during peacetime?
    — Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • As of now, Bryan is still scheduled to return to Gillette stadium on Saturday evening as part of his sold-out With Heaven On Tour.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The alerts have become an increasingly familiar part of life near the border.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Recent history recalls plans to partition Iraq into ethnic substates.
    — David Armitage, Washington Post, 26 June 2026
  • In August 1947 the Indian subcontinent achieved independence from British rule but was simultaneously partitioned into the separate countries India and Pakistan.
    — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • That album drew Simmons’ bass and Bindeman’s drums to the fore of the mix, letting Harris’ guitar and vocals foam behind the rhythm section’s discrete peaks.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Elephants in the Fog competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival this year, winning the Jury Prize.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • An idea is floating around to bifurcate parking meter prices, adding a surcharge of 25 to 50 cents an hour for non-Chicagoans who park in the city, according to Ald.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The screen is sometimes bifurcated between Carter’s livestream, which itself gets clogged with fan comments and emojis, and people watching it in Japan.
    — William Earl, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The replay spread across social media, where fans dissected the contact frame by frame and once again accused WNBA officials of allowing opponents to take non-basketball shots at Clark without immediate consequences.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Far from the only injury news to dissect Horn and Jackson aren’t the only ones who left Cleveland hurt.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Bryan pushed back at the time, arguing that the song spoke to both sides of the aisle and urging fans not to let social media narratives divide them.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Although the studio holds out hope that awards buzz could help the film have some legs as audiences discover it, critics have been divided, with Digger holding a 51 percent approval from reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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