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 temporal
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of material
Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
While Adams’ campaign isn’t relying solely on AI to spread its message, the technology has offered him a low-cost opportunity to quickly create promotional material, respond to current events, and entertain voters.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Aug. 2025
If that party demonstrates the existence of a genuine issue of material fact, the motion must be denied.
—Eduardo J. Valdes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
The report found that the prices of reconstruction materials have spiked anywhere from 4% to 20% after natural disasters, including wildfires.
—Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
While Adams’ campaign isn’t relying solely on AI to spread its message, the technology has offered him a low-cost opportunity to quickly create promotional material, respond to current events, and entertain voters.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This more well-rounded view of life is undoubtedly beneficial to their mental health, and gives their lives more meaning beyond the acquisition of material objects.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Aug. 2025
If that party demonstrates the existence of a genuine issue of material fact, the motion must be denied.
—Eduardo J. Valdes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
The breakthrough method holds the potential to one day help people regain function after paralysis.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
-
In the meantime, Alonso will work with the options at his disposal — a group the Bernabeu board view as having great potential in terms of quantity and variety.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Bica and Lavra and the Graça Funicular will all be suspended while safety inspections are conducted on their equipment.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The decision came a day after Washington revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's authorization to ship key chipmaking equipment and technology to its manufacturing plant in China, the latest move to curb Beijing's semiconductor advances.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The iPhone 17 is set to be the fourth gen of Apple smartphones without a physical SIM card slot in the US.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Even today, thousands of its physical records are stored in former limestone mines in Missouri and Pennsylvania.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
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,
7 Sep. 2025
-
And that became a very important part of the character.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Context requires holding multiple layers of reality simultaneously—the organizational politics, cultural dynamics, personal histories, and temporal factors that shape every interaction.—
Michael Hudson,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
This pair of daring temporal adventurers makes hops, skips, and jumps along the time stream with Sam popping up randomly into different bodies throughout history.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Provide your full legal name, date of birth and other relevant account info to confirm your identity.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Each captured a way of thinking about venture investing that was practical, deeply personal, and relevant to how family offices are reshaping their role in the ecosystem.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The virus, which is spread by bodily fluids, is endemic in animal populations in Central and West Africa, and there are periodic outbreaks.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Chernyak, who came to the US last August, was arrested in January and charged with battery with bodily harm over what his common-law wife Oksana Tarasiuk told CNN was a misunderstanding exacerbated by a language barrier with police officers.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The decor channels the style and substance of the Victorian era, but all of the amenities have been brought into the 21st century, complimentary breakfast included.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Beyond a point, Latif’s many attempts to create mood and atmosphere through movement end up with little subtext to draw from, and play like flourishes with no substance.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share