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
Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
The case closed in 2019 after prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to pursue the matter in court.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Helping Nova students matters so much more for Pam Kirtman.
—Alie Skowronski, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter
Noun
The very notion of national unity in a time of war seems utterly beyond this president, who follows his capricious instincts and continues, as ever, to spray venom at domestic opponents (and, for that matter, allies) when they are needed to wage and win the war.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
The case closed in 2019 after prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to pursue the matter in court.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
That matters because less education typically leads to smaller paychecks.
—CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Helping Nova students matters so much more for Pam Kirtman.
—Alie Skowronski, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
Noun
-
Choose a single topic or hobby to explore, then map a simple schedule for research or practice.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Research and polling suggests Latino voters prioritize cost-of-living issues — such as housing, wages and inflation — over immigration, a topic often emphasized in national messaging.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Here are five more things to know about the film festival.—
Adam Bell
April 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
-
If getting pampered isn’t your thing, the 18-hole Championship golf course is popular and has hosted PGA and LPGA events.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The president cast his ballot by mail in a March 24 special election in Florida.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Any potential winner will be notified by mail, email and/or telephone.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Then last season’s nightmarish problems closing games carried over into 2026.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Anything else is going to be a problem.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The consequences of this project — ranging from water depletion and traffic congestion to permanent environmental degradation — will be borne by those in the immediate vicinity, yet the current system ignores this reality.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
23 Mar. 2026
-
If the album positions them in the lineage of sometime tourmates Modest Mouse and the Flaming Lips, Something Worth Waiting For sounds less like a swing for the big time than a merry jaunt into its general vicinity, happy to pick up any alt-rock lifers who’ll come.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That means eliminating Iran's Navy, which is now absolutely destroyed, hurting their Air Force and their missile program at levels never seen before, and annihilating their defense industrial base.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
That means they are left out of state cost-cap bills.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
How will the question appear on the ballot?—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Steyer faced questions about his offshore investments before.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The safety board faulted Atmos for not doing more to identify threats posed by expansive soils, noting regulators had been warning about the issue since 2008 and that the NTSB identified expansive soils as a factor in a 2018 Atmos explosion in Dallas that killed one and injured four.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Female eligibility was a strong theme in a seven-candidate IOC election last year — held after a furor around women's boxing in Paris — when Coventry's main rivals pledged a stronger policy to leading on the issue.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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