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
Esme Benjamin, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Even many of the materials that were used to construct these buildings — a lot of it was developed for wartime.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
While their efforts are sweet, kindness and earnest optimism alone can’t change material conditions, something the show is acutely aware of.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
This casual style staple has hundreds of five-star ratings from happy customers thanks to its cozy material and oversized fit.
—Esme Benjamin, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Even many of the materials that were used to construct these buildings — a lot of it was developed for wartime.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
In general, a material certification shows that the fabric has undergone certain tests and achieved specific standards and certificates.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
While their efforts are sweet, kindness and earnest optimism alone can’t change material conditions, something the show is acutely aware of.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
On top of its other benefits, this shampoo also has the potential to stimulate hair growth—and increase shine.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
-
While a wide range of filmmakers have embraced the potential of AI to enhance production and bring about efficiencies, the technology has been a hot button for unions given the potential risk to industry jobs.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Hyundai Rotem specializes in producing railway equipment and defense products.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Rehabilitating the town’s fire station and apparatus bays, which would include structural updates, enhancing equipment and securing storage for fire rescue vehicles.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
New technology such as genetic sequencing of environmental DNA and real-time imaging is making the identification of new marine species quicker and easier, but scientists still rely on collecting physical specimens for confirmation, which can be slow work, Taylor said.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN,
11 Mar. 2025
-
True connection requires full attention, not just physical presence.—
Jennifer Kamara,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But this year the 54-year-old stepped into what’s arguably the most challenging, complex, and coveted role in American musical theater, Mama Rose, in the equally as important midcentury Broadway musical Gypsy.—
The Glamour editors,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Comments Emily Bett Rickards knew very little about professional wrestling before signing on to play one of its most important female trailblazers, Mildred Burke, in the biopic Queen of the Ring.—
Alamin Yohannes,
EW.com,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
From there on out, the film takes a couple of major swings in the realm of its timeline — a strange temporal unfurling — as well as the seeming motives behind A.J. and Isaac’s arrival, and Camille’s readiness to host them alongside a friend who clearly needs some alone time.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Scientists had long thought that deciphering those qualities — collectively known as prosody — happened in the superior temporal gyrus, an area of the brain associated with speech perception.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The notes addressed such issues as peer pressure, bullying, racial tensions, academic underachievement and conflicts between students and teachers — topics that remain relevant today, especially in our social media age.—
Carl Kurlander,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2025
-
The Gophers will need to overhaul their roster again this offseason with new players but want to stay relevant by playing as many games possible while juggling the portal.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
They are often intertwined with political, moral and spiritual ideas around the rights of an individual versus the community, the limits of government power over bodily autonomy, mistrust of medical institutions and misinformation about shot safety and efficacy.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
9 Mar. 2025
-
He was sentenced to serve eight years in prison for first-degree burglary and assault likely to cause great bodily injury.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In October 2023, California banned four substances — BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3 — due to links with serious health concerns as cancer, endocrine and reproductive issues, and heart and liver problems.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Tracey has a caseload of 30 Skid Row-area patients dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues in addition to other health issues.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to material
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share