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material

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms of material

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 the basic elements from which something can be developed

she's clearly movie star material

Synonyms for material

Words Related to material

matter,
metal

2 usually materials plural items needed for the performance of a task or activity

I have all the materials to build the mobile

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Words Related to material

material

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of material (Entry 2 of 2)

1 relating to or composed of matter

there's no material evidence, such as a dead body, that a murder has been committed

Synonyms for material

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2 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

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3 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

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unspiritual

Near Antonyms for material

metaphysical

extraterrestrial

Antonyms for material

4 having to do with the matter at hand

that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion

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Words Related to material

Phrases Synonymous with material

to the point

Near Antonyms for material

inadmissible

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5 of or relating to the human body

material needs such as food and warmth

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Words Related to material

hand-to-hand

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Frequently Asked Questions About material

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