material 1 of 2

Definition of materialnext

material

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word material different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of material?

The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When might apposite be a better fit than material?

In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is apropos a more appropriate choice than material?

Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When could germane be used to replace material?

While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When can pertinent be used instead of material?

The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Where would relevant be a reasonable alternative to material?

The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

How is the word material different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of material?

The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When might apposite be a better fit than material?

In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is apropos a more appropriate choice than material?

Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When could germane be used to replace material?

While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When can pertinent be used instead of material?

The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Where would relevant be a reasonable alternative to material?

The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 material
Noun
These items are coated with Teflon, a material that blocks UV rays and is of best use in warm weather climates. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 The materials must be used during the tax year and not include office supplies, equipment, or personal items. Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
In equity markets, South Korean stocks led Asia broadly higher, while European indices also look set to open in the green amid hopes of more material steps towards de-escalation. Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 Considering a vehicle is not the same as buying one, and analysts say high prices would need to be sustained for a lengthy period of time to have a material impact on sales. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Spencer Knight stopped 31 shots for Chicago, and Arvid Soderblom made four saves and allowed a goal while Knight dealt with an equipment issue.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • In addition, the array experienced a brush fire last year that was attributed to nearby utility equipment.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Roberts has heard a lot from his Gen-Z staff that 2026 is the analog year, meaning people are staying off their phones more, getting rid of social media and seeking out more physical media.
    Joseph Hernandez March 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Most of the incidents had not resulted in physical injuries; in some cases, prosecutors charged people for assaulting agents with such weapons as a tambourine, an umbrella, and a Subway sandwich.
    Oriana van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Nonresidents have such an important role to play in the management of wildlife in Wyoming, and obviously nonresident [hunting and fishing] licenses cost a lot more than resident ones do.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jason Bateman delivers the mundane analogy like a pro, blending sincerity and uncertainty inside his singular, nervous vocal rhythms.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Spring window washing sounds mundane.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • However, Hough also said a formal public apology and a commitment to take relevant sensitivity training could be an alternative.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Investigators asked anyone with information relevant to this investigation to call the Police Department’s Investigation Bureau at 916-478-8060.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Keshaun Perkins, 23, of Lake Station, was charged Monday with two counts of murder and one count of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • He is also accused of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
    Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lappen oversaw the county's Behavioral Health Services division, which works with people with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.
    Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The half-industrial, half-heavenly record was recorded on the brink of a real-life meltdown; the substances Lean had rapped about so brazenly during his adolescent mixtape era would nearly claim his life.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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