1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed
she's clearly movie star material
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in equipment
usually materials plural
items needed for the performance of a task or activity
I have all the materials to build the mobile
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter
there's no material evidence, such as a dead body, that a murder has been committed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect
there's no material difference between the two designs for the skyscraper: one's as bad as the other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mundane
having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven
people who worry more about material concerns than about spiritual ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand
that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body
material needs such as food and warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of material
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Without the visual weight of upper cabinetry competing for attention, the eye is drawn immediately to the hood’s unique shape, materials, and craftsmanship.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
If films were not widely released theatrically – with strong marketing campaigns to support them – studios will lose a material portion of their library’s valuation.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
Archive footage viewed on old VHS tapes and Super-8 film reveals that Cook was a talented and charismatic musician, plucking away at his Gibson while singing blues standards or original material.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Without the visual weight of upper cabinetry competing for attention, the eye is drawn immediately to the hood’s unique shape, materials, and craftsmanship.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Iglesias withdrew his name from Spain international duty until there were material changes in how the women’s side were treated.
—Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
If films were not widely released theatrically – with strong marketing campaigns to support them – studios will lose a material portion of their library’s valuation.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
Forecasters with the National Weather Service are warning that Thursday should bring dangerous driving conditions in the mountains, with the potential for roadway closures in the Tejon Pass on the 5 Freeway.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
That could mean finding better ways to use Engram, who showed some flashes of big-play potential at times during his first season in Denver, but the team should also view the upcoming NFL Draft as an opportunity to add a talented target at the position who can grow in the offense over time.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Fresh concrete is visible at both the western and eastern entrances, increasing protection that could help shield the facility from potential airstrikes, alongside trucks and other construction equipment at the site.—
Farida Elsebai,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The lawsuits claim the company was negligent in failing to safely maintain its equipment and for not shutting down the Eaton Canyon transmission lines that night.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Both Bloom’s and Brick’s physical devices may also give them an edge with young people who increasingly prefer the analog over the digital.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
There are more overtly sexy moments in Fennell’s movie — the physical intimacy is ratcheted up significantly from the book — but this scene underlines the Brontë’s themes of desire and repression — and the friction between them — that imprinted on the filmmaker as a teen.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Since Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been an enduring style icon since the ’90s, her fashion legacy was most important to protect.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Vonn posted a video on Friday night, in a hospital gown with monitors on her chest and the beeps and whirs from her room serving as a sort of mundane soundtrack.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Through this lens, Slater’s downfall at DOJ is less an ideological thumping than a mundane drama of personality and personnel fights.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Emily Hemendinger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
-
While Denny Hamlin, 45, and Kyle Busch, 40, remain relevant, Johnson in many ways is the last of the Mohicans.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jose Martins, of Brockton, was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (a knife) and assault and battery with serious bodily injury, according to Brockton Police.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Hernandez pleaded no contest to charges that included a pair of enhancements for great bodily harm to a victim younger than 5 and willful harm or injury to a child that resulted in death in the commission of child abuse.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Furthermore, prosecutors noted that Knox may have had access to additional county money through her service on the volunteer board of the local Crossroads Foundation, which helps women with substance use disorders.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of being subjected to arrests and jail to stem addiction, the residents of Uptown, who remain housed and employed, are able to privately seek out medical help and substance use treatment, leading to higher rates of recovery from addiction.—
Emily Galvin Almanza,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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