1
as in topics
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 things
something to be dealt with
we must take care of this matter before it becomes a real problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mails
communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system
first-class matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in problems
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 means
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 matters
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
As the Supreme Court increasingly shows frustration with the overreach of lower court judges, the justices could be motivated to take up cases more quickly on matters where lower courts are ignoring their emergency docket orders, such as with the firing of independent agency heads.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Roseman got his start in Philadelphia as an unpaid summer intern advising the team on salary cap matters in 2000, rising to GM in 2010.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Maura’s performance makes Maria Angeles so magnetic and eccentric — earthily practical on some matters, dizzily irrational on others, and sympathetically true to herself on all fronts — that all the film’s other players want for detail and texture by comparison.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
In both Pride and Prejudice and The Irishwoman in London, these unusual and excellent walkers take matters into their own hands—and feet.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
So, that's one thing about why the correct pan size matters.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
The difference matters, especially with ISOs.
—Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
This framework helps teams identify where AI adds value and where human insight still matters most.
—Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
The push of an offensive line matters too.
—Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, none of that really matters.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Money matters — so make the most of it.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
When a chance meeting sparks a connection, their bond deepens, and secrets and holiday pressures force them to face what truly matters.
—Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Styling Your Contribution Bringing Fresca and flowers is only part of the gesture—presentation matters too.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, the fun of the series, and that the characters remain true to their origins, is all that matters for this kind of show, built entirely on nostalgia and fan fervor.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
With a newfound momentum, Catlin took matters into his own hands, bringing a recovered fumble to Timberview’s 13-yard line; the Raiders couldn’t capitalize, settling for a 25-yard field goal attempt that went off the right upright.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
As the Supreme Court increasingly shows frustration with the overreach of lower court judges, the justices could be motivated to take up cases more quickly on matters where lower courts are ignoring their emergency docket orders, such as with the firing of independent agency heads.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Roseman got his start in Philadelphia as an unpaid summer intern advising the team on salary cap matters in 2000, rising to GM in 2010.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Maura’s performance makes Maria Angeles so magnetic and eccentric — earthily practical on some matters, dizzily irrational on others, and sympathetically true to herself on all fronts — that all the film’s other players want for detail and texture by comparison.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
In both Pride and Prejudice and The Irishwoman in London, these unusual and excellent walkers take matters into their own hands—and feet.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
So, that's one thing about why the correct pan size matters.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
The difference matters, especially with ISOs.
—Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
That’s the only thing that matters.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
This framework helps teams identify where AI adds value and where human insight still matters most.
—Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
The push of an offensive line matters too.
—Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, none of that really matters.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Money matters — so make the most of it.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
When a chance meeting sparks a connection, their bond deepens, and secrets and holiday pressures force them to face what truly matters.
—Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Styling Your Contribution Bringing Fresca and flowers is only part of the gesture—presentation matters too.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, the fun of the series, and that the characters remain true to their origins, is all that matters for this kind of show, built entirely on nostalgia and fan fervor.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matters
Noun
-
The concept touches on many of the topics driving political debate across the United States, from criminal justice reform and diversity, equity, and inclusion to affirmative action and immigration.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The club’s managing director faced the media within 24 hours of Monday’s 7pm deadline, with no topics off the table.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If things do go long, Alcaraz will still back himself.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But now, the King and the royal family have received very sad news that will change things going forward.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Along with some shockingly gruesome slides (lots of intestines and Jack the Ripper–style organ removal), Wallace shares that the New York Ripper is still traumatizing the relatives of his victims by leaving voice-mails taunting them about his brutal crimes.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This body is now written into the club’s articles of association, in theory reducing the chance of problems.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The past year has been marred by a number of troubles, including resolving management problems and financial issues.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
In cooler climates, that usually means September, but gardeners in warmer climates can wait until October.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On Saturday night, after the audience of the Royal Alexandra Theatre roared in a standing ovation for Fraser and his director, Hikari (Beef, 37 Seconds), the star became visibly choked up talking about the themes of Rental Family.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Also, different areas often had a multi period perspective and themes were carried across courses to connect the dots.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The team then analyzed how frequently these women died from heart issues or developed major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack, coronary revascularization, or ischemic stroke over the course of 30 years.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The Stakes in Group C Supplied Bafana Bafana will host Nigeria, knowing that a victory could effectively eliminate the Super Eagles' chances of topping Group C, unless off-field issues alter the situation.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The company expects this to reduce password reset requests and call center correspondences, Faulkner said.—
Alexis Kayser,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Such correspondences offer a fascinating means of tracing human history.—
Martha Barnette
August 6,
Literary Hub,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Matters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matters. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share