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Definition of materialnext

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 collection is produced in extremely limited quantities, spotlighting the uniqueness of each material while maintaining the exclusivity at the core of the collaboration. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 Next, choosing the right material for your kitchen pegboard is critical, not only for aesthetics but also for long-term functionality and cleanliness. Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
Adjective
In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power. Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026 This scenario often leads to a nova explosion when too much material accretes onto the surface of the white dwarf. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • The report highlighted how Alginate, which is derived from brown macroalgae, can be used as a natural alternative to conventional materials, and how macroalgae and microalgae are being explored for their pigments and large-scale potential.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
  • Darry Sragow, a veteran Democratic strategist who advised Checchi, said Steyer’s focus on such causes had the potential to be meaningful to voters who are often skeptical about the sincerity and motives of rich candidates.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • On Tuesday, the clinic also posted a video on its Instagram account highlighting emergency equipment, including a crash cart, and personnel available at the facility.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Airbag thefts are on the rise across the city, affecting the North, South and West sides alike, reminiscent of the airbag theft wave that hit during the 1990s as airbags became standard equipment in vehicles.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • My brothers-in-law and their spouses give their parents only limited amounts of time on holidays and limited physical assistance to their parents only if my husband begs for help.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • The goal is to lower barriers to humanoid robotics development and enable a wider community to experiment with motion learning and physical AI systems.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • An early, nonpublic version of Mythos spooked policymakers and corporate executives in April for its ability to find more than 10,000 severe bugs and vulnerabilities in important software systems.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor plays an embittered furniture store owner who discovers a passage into the mundane alt-space, eventually drawing two young employees and his therapist, played by fellow Oscar nominee Renate Reinsve, into also braving its potential dangers.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 8 June 2026
  • The film is the first in a series of shorts planned by Sophie Meloni, exploring adolescence through seemingly mundane events.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • To determine if and how these features are relevant for the actual results in a World Cup, a machine learning algorithm was used.
    Achim Zeileis, Fortune, 12 June 2026
  • In reality, his office’s role is becoming less relevant as the IRGC, which observers say functions as a deep state, grows in prominence following Khamenei’s killing in an Israeli airstrike on February 28.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The internet may be full of people who want to outlaw leaf blowers, but misophonic triggers tend to share a bodily quality, an aurally traceable culprit such as a person crunching or sighing.
    Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • He was arrested and charged with manslaughter as well as assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
    Riley Rourke, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Nothing did, so three times over the course of twelve weeks the group bared their arms and allowed strangers to poke them with a needle, through which flowed something new, a substance never before inserted into human bodies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The chicken and sausage gave the dish plenty of substance, while the rice at the bottom helped soak up the savory broth, creating a meal that was hearty without being overly heavy – for someone with an empty stomach.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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