partial

1 of 2

adjective

par·​tial ˈpär-shəl How to pronounce partial (audio)
Synonyms of partial
1
: of or relating to a part rather than the whole : not general or total
a partial solution
a partial payment
2
: inclined to favor one party more than the other : biased
It is inconsistent with justice to be partial …—John Stuart Mill
3
: markedly fond of someone or something
—used with to
partial to pizza
She's partial to tall men with blond hair.

partial

2 of 2

noun

: overtone sense 1a

Synonyms of partial

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of partial in a Sentence

Adjective These plants prefer full sun or partial shade. The partial ban on immigration has been lifted. His latest play was deemed only a partial success by the critics. a partial eclipse of the sun He wears a partial denture. She suggested a partial solution to the problem. A referee must not be partial toward either team.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
But this should not be an issue for those in the path of the partial eclipse. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 Countless more skywatchers across Europe will witness a deep partial solar eclipse, as the moon's curved silhouette covers a swathe of the sun's surface, while failing to cover it entirely. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
But for most people, including those in the United States, the moon will not completely block the sun, making this year’s eclipse partial, according to NASA's website. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 London, Manchester and Glasgow will see a 91% partial, while Cardiff and Belfast will see 93%. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for partial

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English parcial, from Late Latin partialis, from Latin part-, pars part

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of partial was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing partial

Rhymes for partial

See All Rhymes for partial

Browse Nearby Words

parti-
partial
partial adjunct
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Partial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partial. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

partial

adjective
par·​tial
ˈpär-shəl
1
: inclined to favor one side over another : biased
2
: fond of someone or something
partial to pizza
3
: relating to or being a part rather than the whole : not total or complete
a partial eclipse
a partial rhyme
partially
ˈpärsh-(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on partial

Nglish: Translation of partial for Spanish Speakers

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