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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

Examples of material in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Larry Amoros first met Joan Rivers in 2008 to write material for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony. Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 The array of materials that were exchanged across these routes is on full display. Emi Eleode, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Its aroma and smoke are said to transverse and communicate between the material world and the world of spirits. Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Clutter The entryway is a magnet for the material fallout of everyday life. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for material 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • Looking at companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, or Palantir Technologies within the software space, investors see Hadrian’s potential to find success with advanced manufacturing, Owens said.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
  • These warnings called for the potential of 200 mm (4 inches) of rain in less than 12 hours.
    Taylor Ward, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The barn-style home also includes a ton of space for storing equipment, preparing game, and parking vehicles.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Most of these new army brigades, all with designations in the 150s, started out as infantry brigades lacking much heavy equipment.
    David Axe, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Walgreens, in contrast, doubled down too much on physical drugstores for years.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Examples of physical withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and more, and can deter some people from seeking help for substance use disorder.
    Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.
    Simon Hill, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The most important thing to consider is how these voters can be open to different options.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Additionally, temporal control techniques like pausing before responding or speaking at a moderate pace can demonstrate thoughtfulness and composure.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • This exploration of Japan’s distinctive temporal culture aims to be the heart of THE GIFT OF TIME, which views time as a gift from nature nurtured alongside its changing seasons.
    Nia Bowers, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • That’s particularly relevant given that most of the world’s production and consumption of fossil fuels takes place outside the United States and Europe.
    Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Yet optimism prevailed—and the early disappointment paved the way for a far more relevant floor plan.
    Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Over the same time period, the average cost of bodily injury and property damage liability claims was $31,690.
    Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Brittney Leigh Hensley, 37, was arrested by the Ocean Springs police and charged with felony child abuse causing serious bodily harm, according to her online booking record.
    Emily Palmer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Performers like Williams and Demi Lovato have openly shared similar stories of substance use as a means to cope with the heavy burden of fame.
    Will Ripley, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
  • But unreachable providers pose major concerns at a time when the nation is grappling with a mental health crisis and patients are seeking timely help with substance abuse disorders or suicidal ideation.
    Tina Reed, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near material

Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on material

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