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material

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adjective

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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
Not Bosch spin-offs, specifically, but shows in this range that combine a good but not overpaid cast, relatively cheap location filming, high viewership scores and in this case, a lot of source material. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 There are many options for staking materials and techniques; some are better suited to certain flowering plants than others. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
Through trials involving artisanal processes, students engaged in hands-on, exploratory learning that prioritized material feasibility. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 July 2025 The greatest gift a family can offer isn't material wealth or recognition, but something far more lasting: the ability to love unconditionally, to serve wholeheartedly, and to work together to build a better world. Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • In a world where many young people often feel overlooked, this program reminds them that they are seen, supported, and surrounded by people who believe in their potential.
    Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
  • The potential for investment in the BVI is immense, particularly in tourism.
    Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The location had issues including unsafe food temperatures, pest activity, poor sanitation and equipment deficiencies.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2025
  • For cushions, kids toys, blankets, garden tools, and sports equipment, check out the Malibu Metal Storage Trunk that’s 65% off, or grab a handy pool storage tower for pool toys, towels, and cleaning tools.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 9 July 2025
  • When opposition attackers launch the ball in his penalty area, John makes full use of his physical presence and 6ft 5in (196cm) frame.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Despite all the market-rattling headlines, Scanlon said learning about investing is still important.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • This is important, because academic research has shown that financial literacy educational programs need to generate a sense of excitement in order to have an impact.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Generally, Proverbs-Job-Ecclesiastes can be viewed as a temporal trilogy reflecting certainty about wealth and health type rewards in this life for righteousness, with a transition to questioning any such connection, and then cynicism.
    Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • In recent years, the editors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have added factors ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence into their temporal calculus.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Vera, the buzzy, brilliant and preternaturally observant ten-year-old central to Gary Shteyngart’s sardonic and profoundly relevant new novel, brings a fresh, necessary perspective to our evolving dystopian universe.
    Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
  • For nearly a decade, Case has also been toiling away on songs for a musical adaptation of the classic (and still relevant) 1991 film Thelma & Louise with the film’s director, Callie Khouri, who wrote the book for the show.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Of the threats of bodily harm and even death to men who got in the way.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • Aren’t dino farms, in which the poor creatures are kept alive just to be drained of their precious bodily fluids, the next step?
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Friday offers a multi-perspective interrogation of substance use on the album, recounting the highs and lows and the gray area in between.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
  • Clinicians often prescribe medications used to treat similar disorders, such as substance use disorders.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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