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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
Under 30 Asia list is using AI in some way—from automating mundane tasks such as transcribing client calls to speeding up the discovery of new chemical materials. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 These deals are full of breathable materials to take on the warm weather, including the Tommy Bahama Costa Wave Polo and the Nordstrom Heron Cotton Stretch Twill Chino Shorts. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025
Adjective
Significant inflation or other factors that negatively influence consumer sentiment and expenditure could have material impacts. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 May 2025 Consider the material Inflatable gym mats typically use durable and strong PVC as the outer covering. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • Rising in North Bay Village, Shoma Bay has the potential to enhance the neighborhood as one of Miami’s prominent waterfront destinations.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Gene therapy has always held enormous promise to correct genetic diseases, but turning that potential into treatments has been challenging.
    Alice Park, Time, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the U.S. military accepting used equipment from another country, Donald Trump’s plan to use a Boeing 747 from Qatar as a new Air Force One and then keeping it for his own personal use after leaving office has too many problems to fly.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025
  • Beach furniture: Bring it in! Beach furniture and other recreational equipment (e.g., cabanas, umbrellas, canoes, small boats, bicycles) can reduce nesting success and increase false crawls on nesting beaches when left out overnight.
    Lexie Beach, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • In this new role, Lindsey will lead the strategic design and development of exhibits and physical experiences at the Amazeum and with partner institutions across the region.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Two runs in the sixth came courtesy of a mental error and a physical error by the Rockies.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • That’s another important component of the foreclosures First Street tracked: areas where home prices are rising tend to avoid falling into distress.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • The release is part of the USPS's longstanding tradition of using stamps to commemorate important national events, serving as both educational tools and collectible artifacts that spotlight America's history and heritage.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Symmetry through recurrent objects entered in the frame is common, with temporal match-cuts employed to take us from day to night, or even sunlight to surrounding snow.
    David Katz, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • The temporal system divides daylight into six variable-length periods that vary with the season.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bush, who oversaw America’s research efforts during World War II, imagined a system that would allow researchers to see all relevant annotations others had made on a document.
    Mike Caulfield, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • The video’s popularity reminded me of another relevant news story that circulated last year.
    Joshua Becker, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Medical queasiness and gory bodily intrusions have been a specialty of Ducournau (both of whose parents are doctors) since Raw, which turned a veterinary school into a feeding ground for two cannibal sisters.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
  • Bananas provide health benefits that affect many of your bodily systems, and your heart is no exception.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Cracks in the walls outside the classroom have been sealed with a white caulk-like substance.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • Inspectors found debris buildup and a black mold-like substance inside the ice machine.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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