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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
The animals mostly settled on the metal casings rather than the explosive material, likely reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025 The uptown building was built in 1907 and 1908 for the Philip Carey Company, which made roofing materials. Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Second is any material weakness in the labor market, which remains tight in spite of softness in the recent data could also hurt the outlook for stocks. Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025 Elsewhere, rising designers Paolo Carzana and Susan Fang continued to challenge material boundaries, resulting in garments that are thoughtfully designed, adaptable and aesthetically unique. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • These crumbs of what seems like kindness can keep people hooked on the hope that the narcissist has the potential to change, which experts is highly unlikely.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • An overstuffed tracklist and slightly sloppy sequencing prevent the record from fully realizing its potential, but over the course of an hour-plus, Cardi sufficiently reminds us why the crown was hers to return for in the first place.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • About 400 pounds of equipment and supplies accompany them.
    Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
  • It is designed for end-use applications such as automotive, mining, agriculture, construction, heavy equipment, transportation and energy.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Cottrell is facing one count of murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Of those who responded to our informal survey, 53% said love is more important.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • 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, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Spectral imaging geolocation hyper-temporal sensor A centerpiece of the IIIF system is a new instrument called the Spectral Imaging Geolocation Hyper-Temporal Sensor, or SIGHTS, which traces its roots to basic research at Sandia more than a decade ago.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Between June and September 2023, Dale had a deep plane neck and facelift, forehead lift, blepharoplasty (upper and lower), fat transfer to the face, temporal lift and a chemical peel.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The victory moves Chicago to 2-2 and keeps them relevant in the NFC North, as the Minnesota Vikings (2-2) lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • In the spirit of staying relevant to the moment that the show is premiering in, how is The Simpsons handling the contemporary political climate with so much scrutiny on comedy?
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her erotica revels in bodily fluids.
    Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The suspect, 27-year-old Saul Montanez, faces charges of collision involving death and serious bodily injury, according to jail records.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Blending style with substance can be a difficult balance to strike, and Kendra Scott does it with Texas flair.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The mayor has also been vocal about the need for more mental health and substance use treatment beds — an area that typically falls under the county’s responsibility as a provider of health services.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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