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

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 member The first lady on Tuesday welcomed families of National Guard members to be the first to view the decorations. Paulina Smolinski, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2024 With a sturdy majority of 239 members in the House, Republicans had ample room in 2017 to account for GOP defectors. Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024 The other cast members will be going to show their support. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024 Two unidentified staff members were offered a plea deal for their charge of official oppression after slamming a child’s head into a brick pillar and spitting on him as he was dragged away to solitary confinement. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for member 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Individuals with disabilities are generally aware of the federal SSDI program, but many may not know that the TTW component offers professional resources to help achieve personal fulfillment through meaningful employment.
    Diane Winiarski, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • During the project’s five-year research phase, experts re-stretched the canvas and examined the painting’s physical components, discovering arsenic sulfide pigments behind its golden glow and lead in its base layer.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Featuring culturally relevant food icons and portion lines for different age groups, the simple bowl and spoon sets improve meal planning and feeding.
    Cynthia Tully, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The civil war forced millions of Syrians to flee their country, making up a significant portion of the over one million people who journeyed to Germany and neighboring Austria during the European migration crisis of 2015 and 2016.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Hearty vegetables, like potatoes and turnips, add a nice element of earthy flavor, along with a touch of sweetness thanks to carrots.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Consider the look of your tree and home when determining the right base elements for your tree.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This restraint suggests that Russia is preparing a diplomatic initiative—perhaps one that allows Russia to maintain its presence in some parts of Syria while accommodating Turkish interests in the northwest.
    Nicole Grajewski, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
  • Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta.
    Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • However, with more people coming into contact and working together than ever, one factor can still present a significant barrier: language.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • For 2024, the calculation divides your 2023 pretax balance by an IRS life expectancy factor.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Owners of iPhones can turn on software updates in the General section of the Settings app.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The 10 films in this section are all world premieres.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This systemic rigidity prevents workplaces from fostering a culture of inclusion, empathy, and belonging—key ingredients to retaining talent.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • Alexis will be in Mexico for Thanksgiving, and would love tips on how to make a simple menu that incorporates Mexican ingredients and flavors.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The technology is particularly disruptive in areas like homework help, language learning, and personalized tutoring – traditionally profitable segments for ed-tech companies.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Kicking off the in-studio discussion with the contestants’ favorite moments, Yoshi Vintage admitted that a pivotal point for her during the show was stepping into uncharted territory during the battle rap segment.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near member

Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on member

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