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 Jacobo was previously arrested in June 2024 for allegedly assaulting a female family member and again in November 2025 for assaulting Sanchez, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by The Dallas Morning News. Suryatapa Chakraborty, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026 Overall the hotel has the feel of a fine and exclusive members’ club, with a cake hour at 4pm and a complimentary glass of English wine on offer at 5. Felicity Capon, TheWeek, 19 Feb. 2026 Those voting against the proposal were members Stuart Allen, Lloyd Emig and Matthew SeDoris. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026 If approved, class members have a window to file a claim that hasn’t been determined. Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • In other words, these formulations provide the typical components of your skin’s stem cells in order to replicate their effects—rather than delivering stem cells themselves.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The heavy steel plate was secured before work started on other components of the dam.
    Logan Smith, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The northern portion of Alys Beach is devoted to a 20-acre nature preserve practically made for morning bike rides.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Campaign finance filings outlined in an October report from The Sacramento Bee showed Flora spent hundreds of thousands of dollars given to his re-election campaign by businesses and organizations in 2024, with a significant portion going to travel, lodging and meals.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • One missing element was what would be left behind after the cuts.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Other varieties provide additional design elements such as interesting bark, colorful fruits, and fabulous fall foliage to enhance the garden all year long.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Its longevity can be credited in part to a few smart digital bets over the past three decades.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Such words are just part of her vernacular.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The university disputed his statement, saying the deficit is substantially lower and stems from broader institutional and external factors.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • In his appeal, Green argued the sentence was too harsh – that Judge Samuel Cappas abused his discretion with the factors used to come up with his prison term.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Right now, all of the rooms and suites currently open are set within the north side of property, the larger section that also houses the main pool, lobby, restaurant, and gym.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Joey Abrams curated the deals section of today’s newsletter.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The resort leans into sourcing locally (wine, food, spa ingredients) and hiring locally.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Right now, the skin-care industry is brimming with exciting, often mysterious, active ingredients—think exosomes, spicules, and PDRN.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Next, the city will hire a contractor to build the bridge’s foundation, install the structure and complete the connecting trail segments.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Levin regularly speaks directly to the camera in TMZ’s video segments, breaking down the developments of entertainment-adjacent headlines.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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