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 The device landed near Lang, members of his group and a nearby Daily News reporter covering the protest, but didn’t explode. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026 While the project is delayed, some CRTPO members urged NCDOT to continue listening to residents and rebuild trust. Desiree Mathurin march 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026 In addition to its show programming, McCraney said the Geffen this season will also extend invitations to L.A. community members with audience-facing workshops geared toward diverse ages and demographics. Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 On top of that, rewards members get exclusive access to special sales and double-points events. Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Fish are an essential component of many of the region’s traditional plates.
    Félix Márquez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Other major economies treat patent policy as a core component of their industrial strategy.
    Laura Peter, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kitchen staff pile the plates high with big portions, ensuring leftovers to take home.
    Joe Marusak April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • No substitution or compensation will be given for any portion of the prize that is not used.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But the elements were affecting a lot.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Habits of thinking are hard to change quickly, and certainly some hierarchical elements were kept in the process of producing Documenta 14, such as the distinction between curators and curatorial assistants, who in many cases worked with artists more directly on the works commissioned.
    Adam Szymczyk, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even though researchers have found no evidence that contemporary populations use one hemisphere of the brain any more than the other, every part of this picture is presented with slick confidence.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The backstory Athanasia Comninos, the effortlessly stylish owner and CEO, is an essential part of the hotel’s ethos.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Winds are another factor, especially higher in the atmosphere, where strong or changing speeds can affect a rocket’s stability.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • These two factors have been a competitive advantage for Davines, which has built a global business serving the sustained appetite of customers for natural and professional beauty products.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But several Council members expressed the need for more stakeholder feedback before reaching a decision, in addition to clarity around which sections of city code the penalties would directly apply to.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The fishery protects more than 145 acres of mangrove forest along its section of coastline.
    Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To create a hotel that is a celebration of Italy was one of Corinthia’s main goals, and it’s reflected in the names of the hotel’s different spaces, the Italian wines in the minibar, and the Lazio producers who supply the restaurant with its ingredients.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Happy Mammoth’s use of standardized ingredients and a multi-system approach aligns with what experts say to look for in this category, which helps explain why the formula feels more comprehensive than a single-ingredient supplement.
    Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The available variants include the 135 Air, 135 Pro, 230 Pro, and the range-topping 230 Max, each expected to cater to different performance and feature preferences within the segment.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Nini makes an admirable attempt here, but again Ru’s character is playing against rather than with her to such a degree that, as in all these segments, things just devolve into screaming overtop each other.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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