Definition of membernext

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 Julio Machicote, who attended the parade with family members ,shared the importance of the moment. Mason Leib, ABC News, 18 June 2026 Team member Christian, 9, has a strong message for the thieves. James Taylor, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The Moscow attack came as President Vladimir Putin hosted leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc in Kazan, Russia. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 The case concerns the production of informal board materials regarding the departure of three members of the special committee during a sensitive time in negotiations, shortly after which a deal was struck with Skydance. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Both Kodiak and Aurora are developing self-driving trucks with traditional driver’s components like a steering wheel.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Now the interconnected entity's engineering and technology has billions in new capital necessary to bring those components together in space, not only to feed SpaceX's massive internal AI operations but also to provide commercial services for an array of paying customers such as Anthropic.
    Bob Woods, CNBC, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Brazil started off the Group Stage portion of the tournament with a 1-1 tie in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • The portion of the Genesis verse cited by Roupp on his hat included God's promise to never again send a worldwide flood and the rainbow in the sky is the sign of that covenant.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • There's so many elements to that.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Historic elements of the former hotel remain today, including a grand piano and white stone, spiral staircase that rises up to the second-floor banquet rooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Organizers across the country say their 250th anniversary events celebrate parts of American history that are missing from the national conversation.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • The Beck Recreation Center closed last summer, and part of the building is scheduled for demolition.
    Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • There are plenty of other factors that go into fostering belief in a team.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The testing looked at form factors, creatine per serving, percent creatine, creatinine levels and heavy metals.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Dad’s story was understandably relegated to the D-section alongside the obits of a theater producer and a union labor attorney.
    Griffin Dunne, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • All seven bridges along the trail were replaced, a new boardwalk was added near the lake, and crews reconstructed large sections of trail damaged by debris flows and flooding.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • The lightweight formula pairs hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin with soothing birch sap, panthenol, and purslane extract to keep skin comfortable and calm throughout the day.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
  • Shuggie's in San Francisco, known for creating delectable dishes using upcycled ingredients, will be closing next month.
    Sooji Nam, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • There is no rush to do anything hasty to align with Pastrnak’s superstar segment.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 20 June 2026
  • Chief financial officers also saw gains across every market segment.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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