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 Wreckage was recovered Wednesday, with no sign of the missing crew members. ABC News, 9 July 2026 Additionally, active-duty military members and veterans can take advantage of the Caesars Rewards military discount for 10% off hotel stays year-round. Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026 The app operates year-round for ticketing, player services, and member bookings, before traffic surges during the Championships. Sam Birchall, Fortune, 9 July 2026 Evan Fallor is a member of the Northern Virginia Running Club. Evan Fallor, Washington Post, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Thicker components typically mean massive internal resistance, which kills electrical current.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • The skull has about 82% of the original bones represented, and the skeleton includes rarely found components such as the wishbone, a complete pelvis and both feet.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • James McConnell The 21-year-old central midfielder returned to action at the end of last season, playing for the under-21s and training with the first team after an injury kept him out of action for a large portion of the campaign.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Students are expected to return to the building when classes begin in August, although portions of the project will continue through most of November.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The Samba sneakers add a sporty element, while proving to be comfortable and easy to walk around in around New York City.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Occasional spikiness has always been a part of his personality.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The blaze at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar, the city’s deadliest in 17 years, broke out late Sunday in a northern part of the Thai capital.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • These deals are all negotiated in advance, and agreement on the signing bonus is often a factor in selections.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Hydration and fatigue will be factors both teams have to deal with.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The section’s vague language and many loopholes could have a chilling effect on any research that studies the effects of a disease, policy or public health intervention on any specific group of people, Rafla-Yuan said.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Starting Monday night, the section of Interstate 84 between the Black Canyon interchange at Exit 13 and the Oregon state line will be undergoing repairs.
    Noah Daly July 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • It's packed with efficacious skin care ingredients to smooth and firm mature complexions.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • Chickpeas The main ingredient in hummus and falafel, chickpeas are teeming with protein.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The bottom segment of the left-hand solid rocket booster (SRB) that will help launch Artemis III was transported to KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) this week, according to a NASA social media post.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 July 2026
  • In these segments, memory can now easily account for half of the total manufacturing cost.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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