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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
Ideally, the company will have strong policies on managing workers' rights issues in the supply chain and sourcing materials in an eco-friendly way. Simon Hill, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025 Key Takeaways Regularly cleaning your garden gloves based on their material type helps extend their lifespan and keeps them protective. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Indeed, most religions also include a subset of followers who argue for eschewing material things in favor of a more spiritual life frequently personified by hermits. Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The company did not identify any material legal proceedings as of the filing date. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • But if Game 1 is any indication, this has the potential to be a short one.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Taking a player with the potential to cause problems is not what this team needs right now.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Strategic National Coverage via Four Warehouses For consumers integrating fitness into their everyday environments, waiting weeks for equipment to arrive can derail momentum.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the money goes to teacher bonuses, exam fees and the purchase of equipment.
    Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Studios plans to continue releasing Hong Kong Cinema Classics in both digital and physical formats beyond these initial offerings.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Not having a big, physical presence down low, as well as someone who can block shots, rebound, run the floor, and be a constant lob threat, is a problem when Dončić is on the floor.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Three Key Lessons: Pareek’s Insights into Innovation Over the course of his career, Pareek has learned many important lessons.
    William Jones, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Big-ticket buying Washing machines are seen for sale at a home improvement store in Falls Church, Virginia, February 3, 2025, following the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump on important goods from Canada and Mexico.
    Sara Salinas, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The camerlengo also administers the goods and temporal rights of the Holy See until a new pope is chosen.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike image or text generation, music operates within strict temporal and structural constraints.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Davidson’s honest, no-filter approach and die-hard love for Axe made this partnership culturally relevant between the two entities.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Please stop trying to become relevant by misrepresenting my son.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Tune into any bodily responses (ease, tension, vitality, etc.).
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • That’s why Florida must implement mandatory bodily injury (BI) liability insurance.
    Richard D Schuler, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Alarcon, meanwhile, has been suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Under homeless services, respondents said the greatest need was for more help with substance abuse and mental and behavioral health.
    Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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