Synonym Chooser

How is the word member distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of member are division, fragment, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

In what contexts can division take the place of member?

While in some cases nearly identical to member, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is fragment a more appropriate choice than member?

Although the words fragment and member have much in common, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When is it sensible to use part instead of member?

The words part and member are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for member?

While the synonyms piece and member are close in meaning, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to member?

In some situations, the words portion and member are roughly equivalent. However, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When can section be used instead of member?

The words section and member can be used in similar contexts, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When might segment be a better fit than member?

The meanings of segment and member largely overlap; however, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 member The security company the cemetery uses alerted board members at approximately 2 a.m., Paddock said. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025 Bell took 10 minutes to read through other family members’ letters before calling Huggins and Robinson’s attorney, Adam Hauser, into a conference room. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 City council members voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 8 to rezone 16.7 acres of commercial land for high-density multifamily use, waving it through without discussion. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025 Amazon Prime members can access exclusive deals during the week. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • And the long stainless steel counter can double as a wipe-clean work bench for wrenching on bike components.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The new station’s components were 3D-printed elsewhere and assembled on site last month, in what the railway’s operators say is a world first.
    Noriko Hayashi, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Mary, Chrissy, Kamilla, Kyle, David, Star, and Sai (who got the advantage fast pass to the individual portion of the contest) then advanced to round two.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Since the employer and the government pay a portion of the cost, students are not eligible for student loans.
    Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, Kallenbach considers every element when mixing and kneading, including texture and flavor, and how the final product will come together.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
  • As Verbeek changed back into her street clothes, the conversation turned to other elements of the wedding, which was going to be held, in eleven months, at the former estate of the sculptor Daniel Chester French, in the Berkshires.
    Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The event is part of Giant Steps’ Denim & Diamonds Gala, where Grandin will be headlining speaker.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Tigers released a statement via the as part of the report.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And much as Vander Heiden observed with breast cancer metastasis to the brain, access to fatty acids was a key factor—specifically, the fatty acid palmitate, whose functions include serving as an energy source and as a component of cellular membranes.
    Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • For investors who can’t resist the allure of a beat-the-market scheme, our table offers, reluctantly, factor funds in a few different flavors.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That section’s willingness to hush itself contrasted mightily with the inability of the trumpets and trombones to do the same.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • These solutions ensure that even the busiest store sections remain well-stocked and operationally efficient without adding to employee workload.
    Samuel Mueller, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Professional chefs’ carrot cake recipes do not give fans any clarity on whether raisins are a proper ingredient.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Still, drugstore conditioners stand out because of their affordable prices, which usually result from more straightforward, less expensive ingredients compared to pricier bottles.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Other performers this season include Noah Kahan, Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Chris Stapleton, Renee Rapp, Jonathan Van Ness and Billie Jean King joining for songs and other segments.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • One recent example that offers broader lessons for executives across sectors comes from the mental health innovation space, specifically the biotech and therapeutics segment.
    Natalie Dolphin, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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