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an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the state's patchwork of outdated laws regulating commercial activity on Sundays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
The real fix to this situation is to enact a federal framework that supersedes the state-by-state patchwork of regulations on autonomous vehicles. — Mark Dalton, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026 With the patchwork lineup, the Giants had 10 hits and went an impressive 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position to help snap a four-game losing streak. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 In December 2015, more than 13 million people tuned in to the first of a series of NBC television films inspired by her iconic songs, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, based on the story of the patchwork jacket her mother made her as a child. — Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 The complex was funded using a patchwork of state and federal tax credits, grants, and loans, according to the handout from O-SDA. — Emily Holshouser august 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 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
  • While there have been some minimal interior changes over the decades (there’s no longer a payphone or cigarette machine), the eclectic nature of Mac’s clientele has remained the same.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • An eclectic list of folks have commented about it, from country singer Brad Paisley and comedian Conan O’Brien to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, Chiefs coach Andy Reid and former MLB star Rick Sutcliffe.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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
  • Ravens famously accompany Odin in Norse mythology, while ravens and crows play important—and varied—roles in the traditions of many Indigenous peoples across North America.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In some initial results, dead fish collected from the mass mortality events showed consistently high levels of PHV, the department said in a statement, while live fish that were examined had varied levels of the virus.
    — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of varied
Noun
  • The music — a medley of the Netflix series’ score and soundtrack — will drive the storyline and energy of scenes, while also melding with the pattern of dialog in the clips, creating a natural flow to the show.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Join the event trackside as top local restaurants and legendary pitmasters fire up the grills to serve a mouth-watering medley of smoky, savory BBQ (available for purchase) alongside a full day of thrilling horse racing.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of medley
Adjective
  • Yum reported mixed second-quarter results and said the cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell hit the chain's sales in July, but that trends began to improve.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Open Concepts With more mixed reactions than the other trends, open concepts fill out the top five most controversial design trends.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of mixed
Noun
  • With three- and four-bedroom options, open living areas and flexible spaces, the collection offers a variety of choices for buyers looking for a new home in North Reno.
    — Jenuane Communities, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For Jia, who has watched generations of Chinese talents develop in a variety of ways, his hope is for these Chinese mavericks playing in America to stay.
    — Fred He, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of variety
Adjective
  • At the center Tuesday afternoon, about a dozen residents gathered with pets and assorted belongings as a team of volunteers worked to set up a dormitory in the center’s gymnasium.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The benches near the dining table and others throughout the home lift up to store life jackets, cushions and other assorted items.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of assorted
Noun
  • The announcement marks yet another win for the Midwest, with the magazine praising John's Food & Wine for its warm atmosphere, crisp cocktails and delicious assortment of American fare.
    — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Jim Boscov, chairman and CEO at Boscov’s, said the retailer has always been differentiated on value, assortment and service.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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