Definition of membernext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word member distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of member are division, fragment, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

In what contexts can division take the place of member?

While in some cases nearly identical to member, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is fragment a more appropriate choice than member?

Although the words fragment and member have much in common, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When is it sensible to use part instead of member?

The words part and member are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for member?

While the synonyms piece and member are close in meaning, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to member?

In some situations, the words portion and member are roughly equivalent. However, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When can section be used instead of member?

The words section and member can be used in similar contexts, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When might segment be a better fit than member?

The meanings of segment and member largely overlap; however, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 member Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Riley Green, and more mourned Anderson, and honored the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s generational talent. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 Questions for the candidates were created by members of the collaborative and shared with candidates to answer. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 The biggest issue for commission members, and some neighbors, is the impact on traffic. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Mudge said Rwanda had barred three HRW staff members from entering the country because of their work. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • According to company representatives, the system can slash air resistance around the trailer wheels and suspension components.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Many of Nothing’s smartphones and headphones feature transparent casings that leave some of the internal components exposed.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Shifts among Latino voters, who represent sizable portions of the electorate in both states, and Trump’s sagging approval rating appear to be driving Democrats’ strength in redder areas.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Under these pressures, a portion of cost increases has already transmitted to consumers through fare adjustments.
    — , CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In Blue Level and Desert Moon (both 1955), with their solid areas of blues and reds, respectively, Krasner constructed a vertical world that stood straight and sturdy, raw elements reaching beyond the painting’s top and bottom edges.
    — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The situation is similar to plumbing fixtures located within a unit, which are a unit owner’s responsibility even though the building’s common element plumbing system brings water to all units.
    — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Valkyries president says self-care is a non-negotiable Smith doesn’t compartmentalize the professional and personal parts of her life.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The survey explores the factors that trigger people to go for outdoor comfort.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The duration depends on factors including the reason for treatment and whether a patient has had previous clots, Abou-Ismail added.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The frack happening beneath us was about half as deep as Mount Everest is high, in a section of oil-rich rock that used to be considered out of reach; other innovations allow for simultaneous fracks, minimizing downtime.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Muchnick said his seats, in section 144, jumped from $3430 this season to $3795 next season.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • What began as a few purists chasing a vibe became an ingredient an entire industry pays extra for.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Spring & Mulberry chocolate is notoriously good for gifting—the packaging is beautiful, and the brand uses the best of ingredients from direct-trade single-origin cacao and organic dates.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That's becoming an increasingly significant omission in a segment where competitors are finding ways to combine substantial passenger space with considerably better fuel economy.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Zoomlion said the segment-lifting work on the tower was completed safely.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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