1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed
she's clearly movie star material
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in equipment
usually materials plural
items needed for the performance of a task or activity
I have all the materials to build the mobile
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter
there's no material evidence, such as a dead body, that a murder has been committed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect
there's no material difference between the two designs for the skyscraper: one's as bad as the other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in temporal
having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven
people who worry more about material concerns than about spiritual ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand
that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body
material needs such as food and warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2025
Many of the cabins at Paradise Ranch RV Resort in Tylertown were reduced to rubble as the tornado tore through, leaving behind a mangled mess of tree branches and building materials.
—Ginger Zee, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2025
Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
While Khalil has been accused of making statements in support of Hamas, he has not been publicly accused of providing any material support.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
Buttons from China and fabrics from Italy were among the materials and components already seeing 5 percent to 15 percent price hikes—even though tariffs on European products have not yet taken effect.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2025
Many of the cabins at Paradise Ranch RV Resort in Tylertown were reduced to rubble as the tornado tore through, leaving behind a mangled mess of tree branches and building materials.
—Ginger Zee, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Zoom in: Scullin, a material scientist, looked for opportunities where new materials could enter high-margin markets on the way to having a bigger climate impact.
—Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
While Khalil has been accused of making statements in support of Hamas, he has not been publicly accused of providing any material support.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
Each expression is meant to offer a distinct journey in flavor, aging potential and a reflection of the diverse soils of the Willamette Valley.—
Rachel King,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
-
In order to fully explore the full potential of the music and story universe of the project, the Paradiddle Pictures Guidance Award goes to the Magic Whistle.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Associated Press reported that the new tariffs would be on steel and aluminum products, as well as U.S. goods including computers, sports equipment and water heaters worth CA$14.2 billion ($9.9 billion).—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
But no irregularities have been found in the equipment used by the Women's Ski Jumping team or by the Men's and Women's Nordic Combined teams.—
Manuela López Restrepo,
NPR,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
For some, the lockdown was sprinkled with physical terror as questions arose about where to place Ebola victims.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Rolling Stone,
11 Mar. 2025
-
His putative allies are, after all, terrified of harassment and physical violence from the army of released insurrectionists that Trump all but commands himself.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Ensuring Resonance: Connecting Emotionally for Commitment While data and logic are important, influence ultimately hinges on emotional connection.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.—
Rachel Barber,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Taking a broader temporal view of the crypto industry's evolution, of the over 24,000 cryptocurrencies listed on CoinGecko since 2014 to the end of 2023, over 50% have died.—
Max (Chong) Li,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
From there on out, the film takes a couple of major swings in the realm of its timeline — a strange temporal unfurling — as well as the seeming motives behind A.J. and Isaac’s arrival, and Camille’s readiness to host them alongside a friend who clearly needs some alone time.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The notes addressed such issues as peer pressure, bullying, racial tensions, academic underachievement and conflicts between students and teachers — topics that remain relevant today, especially in our social media age.—
Carl Kurlander,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2025
-
The Gophers will need to overhaul their roster again this offseason with new players but want to stay relevant by playing as many games possible while juggling the portal.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The other educator, 25-year-old Paxton Bean, is charged with official oppression and injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, a third-degree felony.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Research shows that repeat COVID infections cause long-term damage to people’s vascular, neurological and other bodily systems.—
Nikki Morse,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In October 2023, California banned four substances — BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3 — due to links with serious health concerns as cancer, endocrine and reproductive issues, and heart and liver problems.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Tracey has a caseload of 30 Skid Row-area patients dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues in addition to other health issues.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to material
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share