material 1 of 2

Definition of materialnext

material

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word material different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of material?

The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When might apposite be a better fit than material?

In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is apropos a more appropriate choice than material?

Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When could germane be used to replace material?

While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When can pertinent be used instead of material?

The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Where would relevant be a reasonable alternative to material?

The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 material
Noun
Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering what’s changing in how fashion is made, scaled or engineered from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026 Ornate instrumentation gave way to natural materials, the onset of technology in the cabin, and, today, minimalism and screens. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Bipartisan concern is now material. Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026 The same pattern repeated with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) as cyber threats escalated, and with the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) as environmental concerns became material business risks. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • But high-resolution Surveying—gathering exhaustive and detailed information about a very narrow topic—is the key to unlocking the learning potential of imitation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Senior executives speak openly about the potential for better customer experience, better products, and fundamentally new business models enabled by AI.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The hub houses all of Fulton County’s election data and equipment, and on Wednesday night, Commissioner Robb Pitts said 700 boxes of 2020 election ballots were among the materials that federal agents seized.
    Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • That’s where the cafeteria, rental equipment, lockers and shop are found and lessons begin.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Possession of a Starlink terminal now carries the threat of a prison sentence, and there have been reports of a physical crackdown on homes and rooftops where satellite receivers have been spotted.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Anything that would jeopardize an active federal investigation, and finally, anything that depicts or contain images of death, physical abuse or injury also not produced.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sleep disturbances While marijuana’s mild sedating and relaxing effects can sometimes help people who have difficulty falling asleep, experts say there are several important things to consider before using it as a sleep aid.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • In erasing these concepts, or transforming them into meaningless slogans, the recent right-wing campaign of educational suppression seeks to eliminate an important means of understanding Black history.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Last spring, my colleague Elaine Godfrey wrote about finding joy in mundane places.
    Isabel Fattal, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Product breadth is huge, some customer tasks may be highly technical, others mundane but requiring accuracy, and others still are more about look and feel.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cisco, for example, pivoted its business to stay relevant, according to Pagda.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • To that end, Allen framed the trio as genuine fans of the beer, that also reach cultural touchpoints (sports, music, comedy) that are relevant to the brand as well.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • He was also charged with two felony enhancements of discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury or death, two felony enhancements for knowing another principal was personally armed with a firearm and one felony enhancement of personal use of a firearm.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Pay close attention to your bodily cues.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Forensic scientists were called in, but none of the roughly 100 people who were there had a noticeable physical reaction to the substance.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Omar, a Democrat, was calling for the abolishment of ICE and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign when a man sitting in the front row rushed up to her and sprayed her with a substance while yelling at her.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on material

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!