as in meant
to be of importance
she believes that doing well in school really does matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 mattered
None of that mattered once the game tightened and Brooklyn finally found a way to win a possession battle late.
—
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Despite Philly eyeing a move up the East’s playoff standings, the Hawks were better in the minutes that mattered down the stretch.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
For the period, Minnesota outshot Colorado 14-12, but MacKinnon’s shot was the only one that mattered.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Carlos Lequerica, the other former Miami Hurricane on Israel’s roster, did not play Sunday, but the homecoming still mattered.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
The child might feel like the win was all that mattered.
—Wayne Parker, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
Despite the disappointment of Scott, and perhaps tournament sponsors, Every was a popular winner with the man who most mattered — Arnold Palmer himself.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Friday night, at crunch time, Kel’el Ware mattered.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Something in it had mattered—and still does today.
—Regina E. Mason, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Despite Philly eyeing a move up the East’s playoff standings, the Hawks were better in the minutes that mattered down the stretch.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
For the period, Minnesota outshot Colorado 14-12, but MacKinnon’s shot was the only one that mattered.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Carlos Lequerica, the other former Miami Hurricane on Israel’s roster, did not play Sunday, but the homecoming still mattered.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
The child might feel like the win was all that mattered.
—Wayne Parker, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
Despite the disappointment of Scott, and perhaps tournament sponsors, Every was a popular winner with the man who most mattered — Arnold Palmer himself.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Friday night, at crunch time, Kel’el Ware mattered.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Something in it had mattered—and still does today.
—Regina E. Mason, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mattered
Verb
-
This meant two-hour sessions at the gym, long runs, and horseback riding on the weekends.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
-
As Europe races toward energy independence, this facility could become a primary feeder for a pipeline network meant to power the continent’s heavy industry.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
During holidays, the Italian bakeries on Franklin Avenue used vast amounts of raw milk and cream, so the truck would have dozens of those old style 10-gallon cans that weighed just under 100 pounds full.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Surging oil prices have weighed heavily on stocks in recent days, as traders fear that a prolonged spike in fuel prices could lead to another spike in inflation and hurt the economy.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN Money,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mattered. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
