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
  • One of the most concerning things about the situation is that someone left such an explosive just lying around.
    — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • But working and maintainable are not the same thing, which is where companies start making very expensive mistakes.
    — Oleg Lola, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • From ayahuasca circles and mail-order ketamine lozenges to off-label peptide injections, IV drips and longevity treatments, there’s a seemingly infinite number of ways to look and feel better that people will swear by in this town.
    — Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • California law allows cities to tabulate mail-in ballots received as long as seven days after the election, as long as they are postmarked by election day.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • But local hoteliers say the proposal is riddled with problems, would unfairly impact hotels more than other businesses and might violate state law by applying flat fees to hotels instead of per-worker charges.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • StubHub said in various statements to the news and in legal proceedings that ticket cancellations were a result of transfer problems and issues with FIFA’s ticketing infrastructure.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • The robots move totes filled with products from order-picking areas to conveyors and have been working in isolation without human workers in their immediate vicinity.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026
  • The uncle warned him that there were too many sharks in that vicinity.
    — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • So Balogun had drawn a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, meaning he would be suspended for the following game — Monday’s match.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • There, the hotel’s overarching theme of kisetsukan, meaning seasonal awareness, is felt most evidently at Iñaki.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 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
  • The motion is unlikely to pass, but indicates how deeply politicized the issue has become.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The issue has caught the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill, where a flurry of proposals have been introduced since the start of the year.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

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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 13 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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