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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
  • For a small, slim margin business like Guittard, tariffs have the potential to wreak havoc, as prices are expected to rise even more, creating fresh uncertainties for manufacturers that depend on materials from abroad.
    Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • They are also designed to support special operation missions by accommodating up to 66 personnel and their equipment.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • The birds, a Mourning dove and European starling, were collected by the operators of the power line, PG&E, who said in a statement to KGO that the equipment at the center of the bird controversy met avian safety standards, in a statement provided to USA TODAY Tuesday.
    James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • It's been a season where physical strength and unwavering loyalty have held more weight than the deception and betrayal commonly found in previous seasons of the long-running reality competition show.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Thanks to therapy and physical rehab, Foxx has come a long way since then.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 23 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
  • Purdy worked hard to become relevant and a team leader, and no one in the locker room questions the contracts given to him, Kittle or Warner.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • These meetings typically include a review of relevant data and an opportunity for the public to provide input.
    Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • On a personal level, attorneys may suffer from strained relationships, substance abuse and even suicidal ideation.
    Raquel Gomes, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Several state laws have taken effect in recent years focused on education and discipline surrounding teen substance use.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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