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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

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
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
Fires are not a material risk, and neither are the crowds fleeing them. Rascal Kemble-Curry, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2025 The film makes more than a token effort to explore the material and psychological realities of life under fascist rule, and the transformation of a charming agrarian utopia into an austere military dictatorship. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • Many held a highly optimistic outlook on technology and its potential to solve human problems.
    Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In terms of making dating safer, Match Group, which owns Tinder, Hinge, Match, and OKCupid (among many others), has the potential for a company-wide, coordinated effort to identify, ban and report abusers on its apps, but this doesn't seem to be a priority.
    Myisha Battle, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Crowley’s fund helped an independent grocery store swap its equipment for more efficient models and has similar projects waiting for financing.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Place this on your porch or deck, or add one inside your shed to keep gardening equipment, pool items, and toys all together.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Starting June 1, 2025, a 12% VAT will apply to digital services consumed within the Philippines, even if the provider does not have a physical presence in the country.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • While the pneumonia infection has been successfully treated, Francis will continue to take oral medication for quite some time to treat the fungal infection in his lungs and continue his respiratory and physical physiotherapy.
    Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 23 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
  • What to look for in a quality retractable water hose Space While saving space is one of the benefits of a retractable water hose, the size and footprint of the hose are among the most important things to look at when shopping for one.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 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
  • These stories are even more relevant in 2025, when tech’s most powerful figures have assumed an outsize role in American politics.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The salary vote is especially relevant for Lago, who is facing a challenge from one of the commissioners who supported the raises, Menendez.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 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
  • For example, the drug court model positions the criminal justice system to connect individuals with substance use disorder to life-saving treatment and social services.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In the Great Plains, tribal leaders are able to fund care for substance abuse—a problem that Native Americans have historically faced—and food assistance programs.
    Solcyré Burga, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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