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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 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
Scientists are still debating the exact nature of the core’s material. Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024 The nano-texture option adds material between the glass and the pixel layer to reduce glare and reflections in direct lighting. PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
There will be no material changes to the Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator apps at this time. Emma Roth, The Verge, 1 Nov. 2024 But with Trump racing for a second term, Cheney has returned to the national stage with warnings that the former president poses a material threat to the country’s foundational democratic traditions. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for material 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • His career-high 25 points revealed a momentary glimpse of scoring potential.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
  • These factories have some of the largest employment potential of any project supported by the act.
    James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • For football: No protective equipment may be worn during practice; and there may be no conditioning activities.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Maybe even a yoga session where the instructor brings the equipment and drives to meet you.
    David Kubes, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Collins has introduced several changes meant to monetize the business, including subscriptions, organized live events, and bringing back physical copies of the paper and its television parody, the Onion News Network.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Defacing sites or breaking the rules at important international sites has led to charges and serious fines for tourists on many occasions.
    Arata Yamamoto, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Several fossil teeth dating back 1.77 million years hold some important clues into our ape and human origins.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Murphy probably shouldn’t have returned to such close geographic and temporal proximity to the tremendous The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story — and, indeed, the two shows have many points of overlap, all of which favor American Crime Story.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2024
  • 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
Adjective
  • What keeps Leadville relevant and thriving today is outdoor recreation.
    James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
  • South Korea's military detected the missiles upon launch, then tracked, and monitored them, while sharing relevant information with the U.S. and Japan.
    Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Played by a seemingly fearless Will Price, Lucas is a daredevil chasing great bodily harm following the off-screen death of his father.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
  • 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
Noun
  • And if there are any more problems because of her substance abuse, all bets will be off.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • In the book, Vance recounted a turbulent childhood, his mother's struggle with substance use disorder and the life-changing influence of his grandmother, known to him as Mamaw.
    Haley BeMiller, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near material

Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on material

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