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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
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Oct. 2025 Martha Stewart Signature Comfort Stretch Boxy Modern Top The knit layer is made from a slightly stretchy material that is comfortable enough to wear while relaxing at home, but the boxy design adds structure that bodes well for brunch plans or running errands. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Bottom line Danaher has tested our patience in recent quarters as the post-pandemic recovery proved challenging for companies that serve the biotech and pharmaceutical industries; a material presence in China added another hurdle to overcome. Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 The problem the profession faces is material, not spiritual. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • So far, the season 22 release schedule has only been confirmed for up to episode 6, as there's a potential for a mid-season break for the holidays in November 2025.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The research team also claims that the method holds the potential to significantly reduce battery charging times while improving specific energy and operational lifespan.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This combination of isolation, altitude and temperature is what makes the site so scientifically valuable as a training ground for scientists and astronauts — and as a test site for equipment and rovers.
    Rosanna Philpott, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Paint will degrade over time in unregulated temperatures, especially as weather fluctuates for the seasons, and electronics will collect condensation in their circuit boards, internal pieces, and electrical equipment—all of which will cause warping and corrosion over time.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Santos Jimenez remains in good physical shape, with Debbie Jimenez noting that her father-in-law would likely be going for a walk after the interview.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But his unconventional and physical style of play as a 6-foot-2, 235-pound quarterback is what endears him to them on the field.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Oceans 11 star said that being in such close proximity to major stars taught him an important lesson early in his career.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • For Arsenal, consistency of performances and results is so important to Arteta, with the 43-year-old often highlighting its significance in building them back to being one of Europe’s elite sides.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This temporal displacement frees Pynchon to offer sidelong commentary on contemporary politics without getting trapped in the flux of the present or being too on the nose.
    Jack Denton, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • To practice ‘future temporal focused’ networking, create a timetable and ask yourself key questions.
    Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the years, the festival has expanded to include artists, musicians, storytellers, poets, and more, all focused on a theme relevant to the social, religious, and political needs of the Louisville community and beyond.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Hershiser reference is particularly relevant.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Having been taken to Coonabarabran Police Station, Valette was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and affray, which is fighting or the threat of unlawful violence which makes another person fear for their life, per the NSW Police news release.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Jashanpreet, an Indian national who entered the United States illegally in 2022, has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs, causing bodily injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to San Bernardino County records.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her sister struggled for years with substance use, leading their mother to assume custody of her sister's two children.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Exposure to the substance has been linked to a wide range of health impacts, including developmental problems, nervous system damage and hearing problems in children; and high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems in adults.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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