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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
For a garden that blurs the lines between traditional and modern, combine a clean hardscape with aged materials and spilling plants. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025 But with the advent of new materials and technologies in the latter half of the 20th century, many of these styles outlived their usefulness in the original contexts they were meant to be worn. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
AeoniQ is produced for closed-loop circularity and uses renewable cellulose feedstocks, like wood pulp and eucalyptus pulp, to deliver material performance comparable to synthetics. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Oct. 2025 Over 35 years, China has shifted from steam-era rail and rural villages to nationwide high-speed electrification and megacities — a great leap forward in material progress. Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • Joining a Blue Jays rotation that appeared more built for the regular season slog, Bieber held playoff potential.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers compared both configurations to test the vitamin’s catalytic performance and long-term potential.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For American farmers waiting on harvesting equipment, that means delays, shortages and higher costs down the line.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Most of the stores surrounding this block are hybrids, selling biking equipment and coffee.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where fake medical implants, counterfeit microchips, and cloned devices can threaten lives, money, and security, proving that a physical object is truly genuine is a major challenge.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The onslaught has also reduced churches and town halls across northeastern Ukraine to rubble, and with them, much of the physical and mental infrastructure of life for the country’s youth.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This temporal displacement frees Pynchon to offer sidelong commentary on contemporary politics without getting trapped in the flux of the present or being too on the nose.
    Jack Denton, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • To practice ‘future temporal focused’ networking, create a timetable and ask yourself key questions.
    Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The relevant question is whether defaults in private debt are increasing at a systemic level, and whether lenders are equipped to handle them constructively.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Press mentions, quality backlinks and the frequency of my proprietary frameworks’ citations indicate whether our narrative is resonating and relevant.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sara and Brian were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm, according to the WCSO.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The unidentified 14-year-old student was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and arraigned Thursday in Fall River Juvenile Court.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So far, more than 4,000 employees have been laid off, disrupting government services devoted to, among other things, cybersecurity efforts, special education programs, substance abuse treatment and loans for small businesses.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The substance can pollute the environment after nuclear accidents and can persist in soil or water.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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