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

\/\/ the retired segment<\/em> of the population<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'division' be a reasonable alternative to 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms division<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but division<\/em> applies to a large or diversified part.<\/p>

\/\/ the manufacturing division<\/em> of the company<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'fragment' be used instead of 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of fragment<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> largely overlap; however, fragment<\/em> applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.<\/p>

\/\/ only a fragment<\/em> of the play still exists<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'member' take the place of 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms member<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are close in meaning, member<\/em> suggests one of the functional units composing a body.<\/p>

\/\/ a structural member<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'part' be a better fit than 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words part<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> have much in common, part<\/em> is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.<\/p>

\/\/ they ran only part<\/em> of the way<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'piece' be used to replace 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words piece<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but piece<\/em> applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.<\/p>

\/\/ a puzzle with 500 pieces<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'portion' be a good substitute for 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words portion<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, portion<\/em> implies an assigned or allotted part.<\/p>

\/\/ cut the pie into six portions<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'section' instead of 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words section<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, section<\/em> applies to a relatively small or uniform part.<\/p>

\/\/ the entertainment section<\/em> of the newspaper<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'segment' distinct from other similar nouns?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ the retired segment<\/em> of the population<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'division' be a reasonable alternative to 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms division<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but division<\/em> applies to a large or diversified part.<\/p>

\/\/ the manufacturing division<\/em> of the company<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'fragment' be used instead of 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of fragment<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> largely overlap; however, fragment<\/em> applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.<\/p>

\/\/ only a fragment<\/em> of the play still exists<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'member' take the place of 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms member<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are close in meaning, member<\/em> suggests one of the functional units composing a body.<\/p>

\/\/ a structural member<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'part' be a better fit than 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words part<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> have much in common, part<\/em> is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.<\/p>

\/\/ they ran only part<\/em> of the way<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'piece' be used to replace 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words piece<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but piece<\/em> applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.<\/p>

\/\/ a puzzle with 500 pieces<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'portion' be a good substitute for 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words portion<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, portion<\/em> implies an assigned or allotted part.<\/p>

\/\/ cut the pie into six portions<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'section' instead of 'segment'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words section<\/em><\/a> and segment<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, section<\/em> applies to a relatively small or uniform part.<\/p>

\/\/ the entertainment section<\/em> of the newspaper<\/p>" } } ] }

segment 1 of 2

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

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
Overall, spanning the different exhibition segments in 13 large areas, ranging from womenswear and menswear to digital fashion, accessories, outdoor, etcCHIC Spring 2026 reflected an industry under pressure but actively evolving. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2026 The revenue jump was fueled by strong performance across most of its business segments, including property investment and construction. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
Wikipedia also represents an earlier, democratic vision for the open web, before giant tech platforms came to dominate and segment the internet. David Ingram, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025 Appreciate the plurality of their needs and segment them into the top three priorities. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for segment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for segment
Noun
  • While a portion of rallygoers voiced support for dramatic intervention against Cuba's leadership, others said their focus remains on peaceful, lasting reform.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Last week, the agency invited NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson, local officials and residents to visit the areas along the uptown portion of I-77 Monday, March 23.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Finally, he was drawn and quartered, his remains displayed in the public square.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Once they're quartered, drizzle them with cream and top them with white cake mix and butter.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Republicans are, for the most part, supportive of transgender policies Trump has asked them to tack on as well, one that would restrict surgeries for minors and another preventing biological males from competing in women’s sports.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Lee sees those parts of the articles as a potential avenue for helping bring in Republican support.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The 12-school conference has seemingly partitioned into upper and lower divisions, with two middling teams — Boise State and UNLV — in between.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The largest house was partitioned into two rooms and probably had a mezzanine floor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In the show notes handed to audience members at Marc Jacobs’s Fall/Winter 2026 presentation, at New York’s Park Avenue Armory in early February, the designer included a section titled Credits and Receipts.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Officials said parts of the original bypass structure — built to manage Barton Creek flow — had eroded for decades, creating the potential for sections to collapse into the pool.
    Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Iran has effectively bifurcated the strait between its traditional Navy and the more aggressive Revolutionary Guard.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
  • By the end of the 20th century, the assignments bifurcated.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Timberwolves coach Chris Finch noted a strategic switch-up was required after the first quarter against the Suns, as Minnesota reverted to drop coverage in pick and roll after Phoenix guard Devin Booker dissected the team’s high-wall coverage with ease.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The power dynamics within the British royal family are always an interesting thing for people to dissect from the outside.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans now plan to give the measure an up-or-down vote in a bid to divide Democrats.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
  • This discussion comes during a critical time for Ag Reserve landowners, many of whom are divided between wanting to develop on their land and leaving agriculture behind.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Segment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/segment. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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