Synonyms of matter

matter 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-tər 

1

as in topic

a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)

that is not relevant to the matter under discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• topic
• question
• subject
• theme
• motif
• essence
• content
• motive
• issue
• idea
• purpose
• problem
• consideration
• subject matter
• substance
• basis
• fundamental
• core
• bulk
• count
• heart
• point
• body
• essential
• debate
• burden
• argument
• sum
• mass
• gist
• nucleus
• crux
• main
• staple
• marrow
• generality
• kernel
• net
• talking point
• purport
• affair
• pivot
• nub
• pith
• centerpiece
• quick
• grist
• bottom
• essentiality
• keynote
• nubbin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aside
• tangent
• digression
• excursion
• parenthesis
• interjection

2

as in thing

something to be dealt with

we must take care of this matter before it becomes a real problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thing
• problem
• issue
• business
• affair
• concern
• worry
• consideration
• crisis
• trouble
• responsibility
• predicament
• ball of wax
• emergency
• exigency
• juncture
• care
• flash point
• crunch
• strait
• zero hour
• hot water
• standstill
• fix
• crossroad(s)
• halt
• impasse
• deadlock
• spot
• stalemate
• corner
• pickle
• head
• hole
• pinch
• jam
• lookout
• scrape

3

as in mail

communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system

first-class matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mail
• correspondence
• letter
• message
• parcel post
• post
• snail mail
• package
• card
• special handling
• certified mail
• printed matter
• special delivery
• direct mail
• junk mail
• registered mail
• rural delivery
• shipment
• note
• postal card
• dispatch
• rural free delivery
• mailer
• airmail
• epistle
• postcard
• airpost
• missive
• bundle

4

as in problem

something that requires thought and skill for resolution

I've been thinking about the matter all night, and I believe I have a solution

Synonyms & Similar Words

• problem
• challenge
• issue
• case
• question
• trouble
• knot
• predicament
• hot water
• dilemma
• nut
• crux
• mystery
• quandary
• quagmire
• conundrum
• pickle
• fix
• Gordian knot
• corner
• puzzle
• riddle
• spot
• jam
• glitch
• mire
• enigma
• pitfall
• puzzlement
• snag
• hole
• sticky wicket
• hitch
• toughie
• catch
• catch-22
• poser
• stumper
• brainteaser

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• solution
• answer
• silver bullet
• magic bullet
• panacea
• cure-all

5

as in vicinity

an approximate amount, extent, or degree

a simple meal that can be prepared in a matter of 20 to 30 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vicinity
• tune
• neighborhood
• proximity
• ballpark
• nearness

matter

2 of 2

verb

as in to mean

to be of importance

she believes that doing well in school really does matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mean
• weigh
• signify
• influence
• affect
• count
• import
• cut ice
• carry weight
• concern
• sway
• amount (to)
• add up (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of matter

Noun

The investment firm is exploring a sale of ZO Skin Health that could value the company at around $2 billion, Reuters reported this week, citing people familiar with the matter. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

The five major networks are in an active dialogue about the issue, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Verb

Family friend Sonya Espinoza said Dwabe was always in tune with the things that really matter in life. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

Join Washington Examiner for unlimited access to the news, analysis, and commentary that matter most. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 9 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing matter

• as a matter of fact
• gray matter
• matter of course
• no matter
• subject matter