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
as in to mean
to be of importance
she believes that doing well in school really does matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of matter
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Some industry representatives ahead of the meeting expressed worry that attending risked casting them as willing participants in a callously opportunistic grab for Venezuela’s crude, people familiar with the matter said.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
This is a president who is distracted by things that don't matter to the American people at a moment where the American people are in crisis.
—NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter
Noun
So why, exactly, should Orlando wait until 2027 to act like the Jaguars matter?
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Some industry representatives ahead of the meeting expressed worry that attending risked casting them as willing participants in a callously opportunistic grab for Venezuela’s crude, people familiar with the matter said.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Insulation still matters at this price point—some coats use down while others rely on high-performing synthetic fills that are often easier (and cheaper) to maintain.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
This is a president who is distracted by things that don't matter to the American people at a moment where the American people are in crisis.
—NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
Noun
-
Here are Pereira’s thoughts on several topics, edited for clarity and brevity.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And since going downstream didn’t seem feasible, the best thing was to go upstream.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Going just 6 for 15 in the first two quarters, Maye was still able to make things happen in open two quarters with five runs for 55 yards.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The bill does not mention keeping packages meant for another person delivered to your address, but federal law says keeping a package addressed to someone else is considered mail theft and is punishable by up to $250,000 in fines or up to five years in prison.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This has now forced her and her neighbors on Kimbrough Court to drive to the nearest post office to pick up their mail for the foreseeable future.—
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Complaints about the shelter showed that problems have festered for years, reaching a breaking point after a rise in animal deaths led the agency to lose its no-kill status and city officials to call for an audit.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Address the problem of hard water, a major soap scum culprit, by installing a water softener.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Kendricks also knocked away Jalen Hurts’ final, fourth-down pass to tight end Dallas Goedert — with Wallow and safety Malik Mustapha also in the vicinity.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Sales tax cannibalization Typically, STAR bond districts only capture and divert sales tax revenue generated by anchor developments and other establishments in their immediate vicinity to pay off the debt associated with construction.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing Insulation is key in preventing frozen pipes, which means plumbing in areas like attics, exterior walls, outdoor pipes, and crawl spaces, will likely require extra insulation.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Borders mean less to me than people.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Join our live chats or ask a question in advance.—
Karen Tumulty,
Washington Post,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Business leaders, of course, have their own interests and shareholders to serve, but Democrats can still protect the public interest while giving CEOs a seat at the table to reach pragmatic answers to difficult questions like these.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But some committees have spent upwards of $100,000 on fundraisers paid for, and attended by, the same businesses and association groups that lobby the Legislature while spending little, if any, money trying to reach their voters about a particular issue.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
According to her bio on Cooley’s website, Hartnett serves as a trial and appellate advocate and has done work on a variety of issues including LGBTQ+ equality, civil rights and criminal justice.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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