matter 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-tər How to pronounce matter (audio)
Definition of matternext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
3
as in mail
communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system first-class matter

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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

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 matter
Noun
Shortly thereafter, in the summer of 1982, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) put out its first official warning on the matter. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 Air quality is poor, however, with high levels of ozone, according to the American Lung Association, and high levels of particulate matter, according to the nonprofit First Street Foundation. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Verb
And that matters for New York, matters a lot, with Robinson’s play in support of Karl-Anthony Towns a crucial element of their playoff success. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026 That difference matters, because the founders were not simply describing personal independence. — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
  1. topic
  2. thing
  3. mail
  4. problem
  5. vicinity
  6. mean
  7. question
  8. issue
Noun
  • Comment Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 11 July 2026
  • Later the internet would help Lillard stay informed and learn about all sorts of topics, including her disease, which paralyzed her from the neck down.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Staging a great needle drop isn’t the same thing as directing a great movie.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
  • The nice thing is there’s a lot of versatility in terms of shape and design—they can be pleated, flat-front, voluminous, straight-cut, colorful, etc.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • One piece of mail from the United Democracy Project quotes comments from Twitch streamer and El-Sayed fan Hasan Piker, such as a dark joke about 9/11, that Third Way tried to use months ago to hurt the progressive.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • Patten was convicted in an unrelated mail fraud case in 2010 and sentenced to 27 months in prison.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • Sixty-eight percent of likely voters told PPIC the cost of energy — both in utility bills and the price of gasoline at the pump — were a big problem.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • The problem is that this group is mostly comprised of uncultured idiots, so Shai and Georgia are the only people who know what Rocky Horror is.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • The newlyweds, both 36, tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony at the iconic venue July 3, which took over the streets of Manhattan and required the New York Police to shut down the immediate vicinity.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr said the remains may be that of Chantel Williams, 24, who was reported missing on December 13 of last year in the vicinity, per the Shoshone News-Press.
    — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • Lots of acorns one year means lots of mice the next, which gives baby ticks a greater chance of biting a mouse and surviving long enough to bite us.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • But with many of the bosses atop those agencies exiting, a new concern over what that may mean is starting.
    — Chris Tye, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The questions Mozeliak asks and answers now are the same ones Kasten did with the Dodgers.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Rotation could become an issue in Saturday’s game between the losing semi-finalists, so building around players expected to reach the final is the safest approach.
    — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • It's caused not only health issues but financial strain on employees.
    — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

Browse Nearby Words

matted
matter
mattered
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Cite this Entry

“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Nglish: Translation of matter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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