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material

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word material different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of material?

The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When might apposite be a better fit than material?

In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is apropos a more appropriate choice than material?

Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When could germane be used to replace material?

While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When can pertinent be used instead of material?

The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Where would relevant be a reasonable alternative to material?

The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 material
Noun
The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 Gray noted that fixtures, displays and marketing materials can be moved around with ease to feature a particular trend or brand at a moment’s notice. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Bottom line Danaher has tested our patience in recent quarters as the post-pandemic recovery proved challenging for companies that serve the biotech and pharmaceutical industries; a material presence in China added another hurdle to overcome. Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 The problem the profession faces is material, not spiritual. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • WeRide is a member of this year’s Future 50, Fortune’s annual ranking of companies with the greatest potential for growth.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The data shows eloralintide offers the potential for strong efficacy with improved tolerability and could serve as an alternative to incretin therapies, said Kenneth Custer, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health.
    Reuters, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Axon is known for making law enforcement equipment including drones and tasers.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • These simple drills require no equipment and are effective for anyone — weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Is basketball good for your physical health?
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • In this case, the donation is a physical piece of equipment, and the money can’t be diverted to something else, Obayashi said.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Oceans 11 star said that being in such close proximity to major stars taught him an important lesson early in his career.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • For Arsenal, consistency of performances and results is so important to Arteta, with the 43-year-old often highlighting its significance in building them back to being one of Europe’s elite sides.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Incredibles films follow the daily lives of the Parr family, a household of superheroes trying to hide their powers while navigating a mundane life that occasionally beckons for more.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In recent months, part of that strategy has extended to agentic AI, which—when deployed at scale—is meant to handle routine, mundane tasks autonomously with little input from human employees.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Bibby’s challenges now include getting the Hornets relevant.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Accuracy into tight-window throws is an entirely different (but relevant) conversation.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The abduction must pose a credible threat of imminent danger, serious bodily injury or death to the child, according to DPS.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Jury also found true allegations that Bazyan caused great bodily injury and used a knife in the attacks.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her sister struggled for years with substance use, leading their mother to assume custody of her sister's two children.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Exposure to the substance has been linked to a wide range of health impacts, including developmental problems, nervous system damage and hearing problems in children; and high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems in adults.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on material

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