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 Decades later, Hall remains the show's youngest cast member. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 May 2025 Many of its officers and men came from the upper reaches of Arkansas society, and members of the unit would be involved in the state for years to come. Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025 The books, on the other hand, were largely donated by members of the community. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 For the Maple Leafs, head coach Craig Berube has met with Steven Lorentz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz — three members of his team who won a Stanley Cup in Florida last year. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • In addition to the audio series, the third season of In the Dark features multimedia components that reflect additional reporting and discoveries.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
  • According to the notice, the affected vehicles may have defective connecting rods or crankshaft components in the engine.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Our portion of the state was so ignored that some of the local wags were calling for a new state called Forgottonia.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Francis funeral less lavish but keeps some traditions Francis wanted a less opulent burial than is traditional for popes and made changes to the church's book on funeral rites, but some of the usual elements remain in place.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The United States intends to press Russia to formally acknowledge Ukraine's right to maintain its own military and defense industry as a core element of any future peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, people familiar with the negotiations told Bloomberg News.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In March, Howell issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from implementing key parts of the executive order.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 3 May 2025
  • The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans on May 2 to slash its budget by $300 million in fiscal year 2026, reduce staffing to 1980s levels and dissolve its research and development office as part of a sweeping overhaul of the agency.
    Valerie Volcovici, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • And this is where the Trump factor could come into play.
    Claudia Grisales, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Others said the length of time a slip is used should not be a factor.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In addition, this section of the bill specifies that at least five members of the board must be IU alumni.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That’s more than acceptable, but questions about his help led to the free-agent conversation in the defensive end section.
    Ben Standig, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • No disrespect to the freezer aisle, but our favorite veggie burger ideas start with fresh ingredients—not prefab pucks.
    Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 May 2025
  • Users will get a starter pack of five unique ingredient cards to begin the Ingredient Quest experience.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • These innovations allow the service to segment customers based on needs before expanding successful concepts to other markets.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 May 2025
  • Vince indicated that the increase in the gross margin rate was primarily driven by about 320 basis points due to lower promotional activity in the direct-to-consumer segment and lower discounting, and about 210 basis points related to lower product and freight costs.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on member

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!