MATERIAL Synonyms: 258 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

material 1 of 2

noun

Definition of material next

as in potential

the basic elements from which something can be developed she's clearly movie star material

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

material

2 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈtir-ē-əl

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bodily

of or relating to the human body material needs such as food and warmth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

They were meant to work on material, but the project never happened. —

Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025 Femininity and masculinity merge as one in this collection seamlessly with lace and leather materials being used interchangeably. —

Essence, 8 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Often, a bit of adjusting keeps the family budget balanced but sometimes those worries can spiral out of control, resulting in lifelong emotional and material consequences, from guilt and shame to insurmountable debt. —

Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025 Experiment with varying pattern scales and material textures to create depth and visual contrast. —

Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for material

Recent Examples of Synonyms for material

Noun

However, Jordan thinks his roster can compete with any team in the league, and the Saints' 5-12 record this season doesn't reflect their potential.

— Scott Thompson, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
There is extreme sadness, too, in Gigi never discovering her full potential in the game, her special talent never running its full course.

— George Ramsay, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025