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 Russian drones have also been discovered in Moldova, which is not a NATO member. David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026 Shah, however, said the new board members should be given some time to catch up and learn about the grant applications before being asked to approve them. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 The billing, marketing, scheduling are handled for member vets. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 At its most recent meeting in July, three committee members dissented from the decision, preferring to raise the target range by a quarter-point. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Along with zero and negative interest rates, YCC was a component of an attempt at monetary easing by the BOJ under Governor Kuroda.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Ordering components early could help Kratos avoid supply bottlenecks as production demand grows.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • An extreme heat warning is currently in place for Death Valley, which is the lowest, hottest and driest portion of the North American continent and the United States’ largest national park outside of Alaska.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In SouthPark or South Charlotte, Little Mamas offers family-sized portions of chicken or eggplant Parmesan ($53 and $32, respectively) that feed two to three people — and that’s likely to stretch further with little ones.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Having a different brush for each hair type is another element that makes the brush a gamechanger.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Singh, who at one time built houses for a living, believes a key element to reviving Norwich is making developers feel welcome.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Utah officials view the partnership as another part of the state’s broader effort to increase energy production.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As part of the deal, TCS will acquire Porsche's IT consulting business, MHP, for 320 million euros, the company said in a release.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But a presidential campaign would also test whether his identity and record on Israel become factors in a Democratic primary at a time when the war in Gaza has exposed deep divisions within the party.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Micro-level assessments are highly subjective and vary wildly, with experts deeming them futile due to numerous factors.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The City Attorney's Office has about 160 lawyers, including an Employment Law section with 17 total employees, according to the city.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The archive Mittelman created covers every iteration of the live-theater playhouse and has several sections, one of which lists the name of everyone who ever performed on its stage.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In a medium bowl whisk together next seven ingredients (through vanilla).
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026
  • For those who are intimately familiar with the Pisco Sour, the list of ingredients may raise an eyebrow.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Breadth is what separates a durable business from a one-drug pharma, and Amgen is getting contribution from every segment.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
  • These new facilities are part of a string of recent investments in strategic market segments such as healthcare, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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