Synonym Chooser

How is the word member distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of member are division, fragment, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

In what contexts can division take the place of member?

While in some cases nearly identical to member, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is fragment a more appropriate choice than member?

Although the words fragment and member have much in common, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When is it sensible to use part instead of member?

The words part and member are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for member?

While the synonyms piece and member are close in meaning, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to member?

In some situations, the words portion and member are roughly equivalent. However, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When can section be used instead of member?

The words section and member can be used in similar contexts, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When might segment be a better fit than member?

The meanings of segment and member largely overlap; however, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 member Rubio hailed El Salvador’s president on Sunday, noting that 10 more people who are alleged to be members of two gangs were deported for imprisonment. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025 Quartz members get access to exclusive newsletters and more. Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025 Shapiro had celebrated with a Seder at the official residence with his family and members of the Jewish community in the same room where authorities said the fire was set. Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Kher will introduce the screening alongside cast and crew members, with numerous A-list celebrities expected in attendance. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Patterson: Yes, while 'Pause + Renew' targets perimenopause and menopause symptoms, its individual components offer significant benefits for all women.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As things stand, no one country is capable of producing all of the rare-earth elements that go into a single device, and components such as screen glass and processors are also sourced from all over the world.
    Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Still, with nearly 2.6 million living in the U.S., Salvadorans are the third-largest Hispanic group in the country and portions of the population may be vulnerable to mass-deportation efforts.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Divers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) are continuing to search for the helicopter’s main rotor, main gear box, tail rotor and a large portion of the tail boom, NTSB said.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After the Entrada, there are traces of Teotihuacan’s presence all over Tikal, from royal burials in a necropolis to distinctly Mexican architecture mixed with Maya elements in a complex of residential and ceremonial buildings near the heart of the city.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, there are elements of youth and inexperience that can only be felt in my shows in the past, perhaps my fans can find entertainment in my growth as well.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is an amazing, minimal laptop that could be part of your life for $70 less.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
  • While other parts of his game require refinement, ball instincts should be a strength.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But those factors are probably not making the difference between being able to retire and working full-time well into your golden years.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
  • These advisories can be based on a range of factors, including political unrest, crime, health risks, or, in this case, immigration enforcement practices.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Lastly, the Constitutional Court deliberated at length and came to its decision—even if a large section of the nation of 50 million disagrees with it as evidenced by the crowds thronging Seoul’s streets.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That section’s willingness to hush itself contrasted mightily with the inability of the trumpets and trombones to do the same.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Every ingredient chosen for the supplement is backed by scientific research to help support better sleep.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • These efficacious, natural ingredients include chamomile, California poppy, lemon verbena, linden, magnesium, rosemary and cardamom.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Other performers this season include Noah Kahan, Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Chris Stapleton, Renee Rapp, Jonathan Van Ness and Billie Jean King joining for songs and other segments.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • One recent example that offers broader lessons for executives across sectors comes from the mental health innovation space, specifically the biotech and therapeutics segment.
    Natalie Dolphin, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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