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

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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
She was criticized for doing so, though not universally; some Black Democrats, including Cleaver, stood by her, pointing to her history of fighting for causes that matter to Black communities. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Local groups like DeFlock Fort Worth, DeFlock DFW, CLEAR Rule of Law and the Tarrant County chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus have taken the matter into their own hands, demanding Tarrant County and its cities remove the cameras. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
The pending sale of the Los Angeles Lakers and robust expansion process in Las Vegas re-iterated that markets matter. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026 In the portable power category, a good handle matters just as much as battery capacity, and Jackery got this one right. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 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
  • Both candidates wove personal attacks and affordability points into questions that a panel of journalists from across the state asked on a variety of topics.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of responding with just text, ChatGPT will now add graphics, tappable buttons, forms, charts, and interactive tools to make complex topics easier to understand.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Those who study these things say an export ban would surely backfire.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The concierge is very knowledgeable and can get guests access to things like dinner or event reservations during Sundance Film Festival, and similar feats that otherwise would be impossible—and take that from me as an ex-local.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The polling punctuates widespread Democratic warnings about Trump laying the groundwork for interfering in the midterm elections by asserting more control over mail-in voting and dispatching Justice Department monitors to polling places.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Bakker was indicted in 1988 for mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy after an investigation of PTL's finances.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • Although the problem warrants a systemic fix, the best short-term solution is for hospitals to create more nuanced documentation tools, and for clinicians to exercise judgment when using them.
    — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Pennsylvania and New York are not the only states with a growing problem.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • But seeking to reassert its leverage over the global oil chokepoint, Iran has stepped up drone and missile strikes on ships recently, including those outside the immediate vicinity of Hormuz.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond that, there is not a whole lot in the immediate vicinity beyond the restaurant and golf club.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • Amid the backlash, the White House has defended the television spots as public service announcements meant to educate voters and promote patriotism.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
  • To be clear, uncertainty does not mean all outcomes are created equal.
    — Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • The Israeli authorities have questions to answer, said The Jerusalem Post.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Such plaudits raise the question of how Movistar Plus moves forward from here.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Mentions of data centers have, predictably, shot up across all three networks in recent months as political backlash against AI swells and the data centers themselves have become a salient issue ahead of the midterms.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Evenson said the Missouri Department of Transportation had no issue with the bike race using the bridge, as long as the contractor provides permission.
    — Glory Reitz, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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