1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed
she's clearly movie star material
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mundane
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand
that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body
material needs such as food and warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of material
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
In regulated industries, the inability to answer that question cleanly is the difference between a manageable incident and a material compliance failure.
—David Flower, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Shirl Leigh
june 08, New Atlas, 8 June 2026
That quick transition may have impacted his career in a material way.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
Known as sheet mulching or lasagna gardening, this method involves layering cardboard with soil, compost, food scraps, mulch, and other biodegradable materials, which break down naturally into the soil.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
In regulated industries, the inability to answer that question cleanly is the difference between a manageable incident and a material compliance failure.
—David Flower, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
Different levels of material transparency can also be achieved including pattern designs and texture finishes.
—Shirl Leigh
june 08, New Atlas, 8 June 2026
That quick transition may have impacted his career in a material way.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
Shedletsky, as president of Invisible Narratives, will lead business operations and M&A strategy, identifying creator and IP partners, YouTube channels, brands and games with the potential to scale into global franchises.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
The Cicada variant has the potential to reduce protection from a vaccine or previous infection because of the number of mutations.—
Eva Flowe
June 17,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The rules require buildings to have a clear plan for managing equipment failures, including specific procedures to assist residents who may be trapped.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Data processing also uses a lot of water to cool the buildings and their equipment.—
Rachel Mural,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Team Australia players Jacob Italiano and Harry Souttar just received two yellow cards after the referee determined that the match is becoming too physical.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
-
Professor Igor Aharonovich said twisting layered materials can produce entirely new physical behaviors.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Gulf of Masirah was also the most important ASWH habitat.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The first task starts sedately, with Rekha Shankar, Siobhan, and Lily trying to find the Dropout-style antic comedy in a mundane laundry-day chore.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
-
Periodicals first presented mundane merchant reports, then ventured to publish observations on arts and literature.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
At 79, Spielberg remains as relevant as ever, recently returning to theaters with the sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day, starring Emily Blunt and Colin Firth.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
-
Trump could revoke relevant executive orders, direct the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to issue general licenses and waive some congressional sanctions laws.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Under California law, police agencies are generally required to release to the public audio and video recordings of police shootings and other critical incidents involving great bodily injury within 45 days of the incident.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
-
While everybody constantly loses fluids through breathing, sweating and other normal bodily processes, someone who is very active – such as a construction worker, landscaper or endurance athlete – can experience significantly more fluid loss than the average person.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
To improve water quality, the government hired Green Water Solutions, a federal contractor that installs water purification systems to reduce toxins, algae and other substances in contaminated water, according to its website.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
In the years after Buffy, Brendon, who did not have any kids, spoke out about struggling with depression as well as alcohol and substance addictions, checking into rehab between multiple arrests, including for domestic violence charges and prescription fraud.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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