patchwork 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of patchworknext
as in eclectic
consisting of many things of different sorts a patchwork collection of antiques from different periods

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

patchwork

2 of 2

noun

ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
as in jumble
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 patchwork
Noun
Their argument is that a patchwork of rules across states is too complicated. — Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 Fashionable expressions of this could be a patchwork bag or a pair of electric lime heels; for the home, Nordic Knots’ hand-knotted rug is a fun take on British gardens. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 26 July 2026 And this growing patchwork of tariffs on specific countries and products may mean an increasingly complicated scheme for importers to follow. — Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 24 July 2026 Many in the industry have favored a preemption measure to avoid complying with a complicated patchwork of regulations. — Victoria Baeza Garcia, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchwork
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patchwork
  1. eclectic
  2. jumble
  3. varied
  4. medley
  5. mixed
  6. variety
  7. assorted
  8. assortment
Adjective
  • Wake to morning rambles through the Cotswolds, soak up the thermal waters of Bath, try your hand at punting on Cambridge’s River Cam, or wander the eclectic streets and shops of Brighton.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Schafer, meanwhile, had appeared in an eclectic assortment of films, including Mother Mary, Kinds of Kindness, and Cuckoo.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of eclectic
Noun
  • Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
    — Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of jumble
Adjective
  • Explanations for this varied among sources, and officially, Sotheby’s said they had been asked too late to do facilitate the sale, despite their initial acceptance.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The pairing of those two backs, plus the threat of Maiava’s legs, gives USC a varied backfield capable of breaking a big play at any moment.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of varied
Noun
  • The party took an old-school turn when Charlie Wilson treated fans to a medley of solo hits and Gap Band classics.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 July 2026
  • First, Christmas carolers came out and performed a medley to cultivate a Yuletide spirit on a balmy 80-degree afternoon.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of medley
Adjective
  • That trade-off never went away; it just became formalized over time into beam cutoffs, alignment standards, and eventually modern photometric rules that try (with mixed success) to balance visibility for the driver against glare for everyone else.
    — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Citi cut its price target on Linde to $580 from $600 after mixed second-quarter earnings Friday morning.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of mixed
Noun
  • But kebabs are joined by a variety of stews, salads and eggplant dishes that are mainstays of Persian cooking.
    — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The remaining people reported having eaten at a variety of other Mexican-style restaurants, said Carlota Medus, a senior epidemiologist supervisor in the state Health Department’s Foodborne Disease Unit.
    — Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of variety
Adjective
  • In Lil Sumn Sumn, Ouzts blends family stories with discussion of dating struggles, pop culture takes, and assorted social observations.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Served on a lazy Susan, multiple scoops of ice cream are surrounded by mini cones, berries, hot fudge, caramel, M&M’s, Reese’s, and other assorted chocolates.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Definition of assorted
Noun
  • Belk Market sells an assortment of brands in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, as well as shoes, handbags, accessories, home décor and fine jewelry, with frequent merchandise rotation, according to the company’s website.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lifeguards have to pass an assortment of strength, agility, speed and first aid exams.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of assortment

Phrases Containing patchwork

Browse Nearby Words

patch (together)
patchwork
patchwork quilt
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Cite this Entry

“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patchwork. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Nglish: Translation of patchwork for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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