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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
When cleaning the outside of sneakers made of mixed materials, opt for spot cleaning to preserve the integrity of the material. Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 7 June 2025 Linen Dress Most Europeans will tell you that linen is the most important material to travel with during the summer, so this 100-percent European linen dress is a must-have for Como. Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
Adjective
Drawing inspiration from Tabassum’s native Bangladesh—from its culture of park-going to the arched garden canopies that filter soft daylight through green foliage—the structure shifts gently between interior and exterior, between material tactility and openness, light and shadow, height and volume. Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 But Lijn’s poem machines dissolve the material words printed on them; thus meaning also vanishes. Marina Isgro, Artforum, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • The potential for chaos and confusion in an evacuation became all-too-apparent last December, when a magnitude 7 earthquake struck about 30 miles off the Humboldt County coast.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
  • There is no denying the talent and potential, but now Sanders needs to put in the work.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • To tackle the communication problems that comes after events like hurricanes, the MOVE USA Radio team Helped MOVE PR volunteers to become licensed ham radio operators and provided radio equipment for each of the modular kits including a portable antenna designed by MOVE USA volunteers.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details on equipment issues or the timeline.
    Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, while the arrival of a new baby is often celebrated, the physical, emotional and psychological transitions that accompany this time are frequently overlooked.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
  • In early-stage venture capital and startup formation—especially in deep tech and physical AI—the hardest problems cannot be solved in isolation.
    Nate Williams, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • What’s important now for the new generation that’s entering the workforce – as well as existing workers – is not to operate out of fear of AI, Patel advised.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The intelligence teams gather during interviews preceding testing is just as important, if not more so.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Though the papal tiara, symbolizing spiritual, temporal and supreme power, is still revered, no pope has worn it since Paul VI (1963-1978), who sold his for charity.
    NBC News, NBC news, 18 May 2025
  • Those questions are, so often, temporal and corporeal.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • This universal approach has proven particularly relevant as luxury consumers become increasingly global in their outlook and lifestyle.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
  • These advances in technology and methodology ensure that forecasts are more holistic and more relevant to the evolving risk landscape, helping decision-makers better prepare for the full range of storm threats.
    Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 36-year-old faces a charge of collision involving serious bodily injury, according to police records.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
  • The 1862 pension law allocated payouts in proportion to a soldier’s permanent bodily injury or disability caused by their service.
    Jamie Rowen, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The justices’ argument, however, largely hinged on questioning the physician plaintiffs’ right to sue the FDA to restore conditions rather than the substance of the case.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • So far, most of what’s known about the substance’s effects on the brain comes from studies in rats and in cells grown in a lab dish – not in people.
    Lorne J. Hofseth, The Conversation, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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