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 Ochoa, 44, is one of the group's most active members, and he's taken his passion for riding well beyond the streets of Quito. Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026 Alongside their music, the four members have established and supported a wide range of philanthropic and humanitarian campaigns. Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026 The Tiguerones made international headlines in early 2024 when masked gang members stormed a TV studio during a live broadcast, firing shots and forcing terrified crew to the ground. CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Since its establishment in 1948, all three of North Korea's leaders have been male members of the Kim family. ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Complex systems do not succeed because every component is intelligent.
    Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Engineers who separately examined the building’s exterior supposedly found widespread corrosion in structural components of the soffit panels along the underside of an overhang that wraps around the center.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka faces Linda Noskova in the early window, with Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro in an all-American matchup in the late portion.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Significant flash flooding and mudslides across Kauai County and portions of the Big Island (Hawaii County).
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The third-year wide receiver brings such a different element to the New York offense.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Both pairs were wise choices for the colder Telluride weather, keeping both parties’ feet warm and dry, protected from the elements.
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The moratorium is part of a broader assessment of the technology and its impact on kids.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, the dress code was actually eliminated during the 2025-26 season as part of early transition dates agreed upon for the new CBA.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Running back Jordan Marshall had just 44 yards on 11 carries, and five-star freshman Savion Hiter wasn’t a factor.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • According to the brand, this treatment was designed to address hereditary factors, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
    Carly Cardellino Vaccaro, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Among a section of the fan-base, such fears risked becoming ingrained.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Kroger is upgrading wine sections at 147 stores, including some in Louisville, adding tasting bars and classes to help educate shoppers.
    Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Few brands have made ingredient lists feel as approachable as The Ordinary.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Supplementation to their diet is limited to no more than 25% of dry matter and permitted feed ingredients include hay, wheat, barley, oats and maize from the same region.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Worth the wait The Spectrum rocket fits in an underserved segment of the launch market, with the ability to place up to a metric ton (2,200 pounds) of payload into low-Earth orbit.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Ford Energy is part of the company's Model e electric vehicle segment, which has guided for $4 billion in losses in 2026 before reaching breakeven by 2029.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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