matter 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-tər How to pronounce matter (audio)
Definition of matternext
1
as in topic
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) that is not relevant to the matter under discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thing
something to be dealt with we must take care of this matter before it becomes a real problem

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mail
communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system first-class matter

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution I've been thinking about the matter all night, and I believe I have a solution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in vicinity
an approximate amount, extent, or degree a simple meal that can be prepared in a matter of 20 to 30 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

matter

2 of 2

verb

as in to mean
to be of importance she believes that doing well in school really does matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 matter
Noun
The city council has yet to give final approval to the settlement, and a vote on the matter is expected in September, Pointer said. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 Two states, Massachusetts and Idaho, will vote on ballot initiatives regarding legalization, and in several others, including Kansas and Iowa, gubernatorial candidates are debating cannabis matters. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
Why GaN matters GaN is a wide-bandgap semiconductor that has become increasingly important for military RF electronics. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 That single unlock matters more than usual here, because EA has confirmed no early access tier at any price. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
  1. topic
  2. thing
  3. mail
  4. problem
  5. vicinity
  6. mean
  7. question
  8. issue
Noun
  • One of the topics tackled was how to reach next-generation Disney fans with next-generation content formats to keep the company’s many franchises relevant to Gen Alpha and beyond.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • At a session on a recent weekday morning, the topic of the day was trust.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Initially a rudimentary, box-like affair, things have improved since, thanks mainly to the addition of a second tier behind the goal.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Alexandra's favorite things to do while traveling include hiking to spectacular heights, enjoying new cuisines, and gaining wisdom and new perspectives from cultures around the world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Anyone who has received a vote-by-mail ballot can still opt to vote in person instead.
    — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Those who bought tickets with cash or check will receive a refund via mail.
    — Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • The property's listing agent told CBS News Bay Area that Iriarte-Valdez had mentioned experiencing financial problems and that the home appeared to be headed toward foreclosure.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • Compared with larger resort-spas in the vicinity, Azure’s more relaxed, personal vibes stand out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The puzzling question has been that, considering the high competition from other sourcing regions in the vicinity, including Vietnam and Bangladesh, and facing relatively higher labor costs, how can Thailand continue to stay in the game?
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • That means scanning a 2D barcode can link you to an instruction manual, food allergens, coupons, show you what farm the product came from and whether the package is recyclable.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As the Gen4 car is also wider and longer than its predecessor, this, along with its formidable top speed, means FE has altered its calendar to include more permanent race tracks.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But there is a deeper question of why a modern tech company, especially an AI company, would need to soften their image with cotton and canvas.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Greathouse ended up taking an awkward redshirt year after getting slowed by persistent hamstring issues.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • WebKit issues are serious and are often part of attack chains that can allow spyware onto iPhones.
    — Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

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matted
matter
mattered
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Cite this Entry

“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Nglish: Translation of matter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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