material 1 of 2

noun

Definition of materialnext
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

material

2 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce material (audio)
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 mundane
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

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 simulations that captured the localized effects of individual large impacts also produced wholesale recycling of crust back into the mantle, with material dripping down to depths of at least 600 kilometers. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 Future work will extend this approach to increasingly complex layered materials, helping determine how broadly these molecular design rules can be applied across the rapidly growing family of organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductors. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Adjective
Propaganda has a way of being blissfully unconcerned with material reality, and the state fair is no exception. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Because the printer can switch directly between the left and right nozzles without a full AMS purge cycle, this setup can significantly reduce both filament waste and print time during multi-material jobs. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
  1. potential
  2. equipment
  3. physical
  4. important
  5. mundane
  6. relevant
  7. bodily
  8. substance
Noun
  • Organizers had urged attendees earlier in the day Sunday to monitor conditions closely as forecasts called for the potential of severe thunderstorms across DC.
    — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The act of focusing intently on an object—a holy name, a mantra, the Eucharist—has the potential to transform a person’s desires.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • The next day, a team from Chile, utilizing radar and sonar sound-detection equipment, confirmed the presence of Gil, still alive, in the sub-basement.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of equipment
Adjective
  • Balogun crashed into Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemović, landing his foot on top of Muharemović’s during the physical match.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Hawaiian Tropic’s zinc oxide formula, a physical UV blocker, brushes on with a matte, translucent finish and leaves no white cast on most skin tones.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • As technology becomes more sophisticated and the number of living survivors continues to decline, preserving authentic testimony becomes even more important.
    — Eva Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Now, new research may rewrite the definition of these planets that make the solar system look a little bit mundane.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 July 2026
  • However, Mamdani wasted no time putting his stamp on the relatively small Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), which is tasked with comparatively mundane administrative duties of issuing shooting permits to film and TV productions.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Definition of mundane
Adjective
  • Hiding assets Both parties should fully disclose their income, assets, debts and other relevant financial information.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission has already changed the programming of one of television’s last remaining relevant daytime talk shows — before even making any formal demands.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of relevant
Adjective
  • According to The Sun, Garland was named in court documents in the conviction of Vitor Mazzer, who was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent during New Year’s Eve in 2019.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, were found guilty by a jury last month of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of bodily
Noun
  • Both her mother and brother struggled with substance abuse, which eventually led to their deaths.
    — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Watson will also have to stay away from the victim — and record a video about the harm of substance abuse and the importance of mental health treatment.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of substance

Phrases Containing material

Browse Nearby Words

materfamiliases
material
materialism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on material

Nglish: Translation of material for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about material

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