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 Iman Rachman, chief executive officer of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), speaks to members of the media in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday, Jan 30, 2026. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 Another alleged member of the Latin Kings was charged in federal court in the District of Minnesota this month with being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property after breaking into an FBI vehicle and stealing a rifle. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Like Teatro Dallas co-founder Cora Cardona, ASTA is a member of the international theater network Red Escena Iberoamericana. Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 Union members get written up and in some cases are fired for multiple usages. Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • As an iconic component of downtown infrastructure, the skyway network cannot be separated from broader discussions about the revitalization of downtown.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Nacua was an essential component to that, reeling in a game-high 10 passes for 111 yards.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Yet Senate Democrats have promised to derail its passage ahead of a Friday shutdown deadline unless the DHS portion is renegotiated.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Jan. 2026
  • These sectors have also utilized a substantial portion of last year’s outlays.
    Ashutosh Joshi, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Reality shows already showcase a dozen desperate people struggling against the elements and each other.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The app is being developed by a very small team, and may include a biometric identity recognition element.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jennifer Lopez, for example, stepped out on December 6 in a slouchy shawl-collar cardigan that was equal parts festive and classic.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • For tougher soap scum, mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a microwave-safe bowl.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers estimated that about 75% of this higher risk was explained by other LE8 factors, rather than sleep timing alone.
    Dr. Joseph Wendt, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • They can easily be pushed, by these outside factors, into imbalance.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • An aerial view of the oceanfront property, which sits on almost 40 feet of beach in the sandiest section of the neighborhood.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The luggage section is just as compelling, with deep discounts on Samsonite luggage for longer trips and rare markdowns on premium finds like this Tumi backpack.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Whether choosing cleaning products with trustworthy ingredients or buying a pair of shoes made of recycled materials, brand values are now part of the purchase decision.
    Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The spare ingredient list allows the bulb’s true flavor to shine through.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In Dallas, the cultural shift has given rise to a booming resale market that has quickly become one of the city's most dynamic retail segments -- and that rise is expected to continue.
    Mari Sato The Dallas Morning News, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
  • At its supplier conference last December, CATL outlined plans to scale sodium-ion batteries across four major segments – battery swapping, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and energy storage – by 2026, positioning the chemistry as a core pillar of its future portfolio.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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