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 There was a connection right from the start that stemmed from knowing and admiring the brand for my entire life growing up in Denmark and being a member of the board of Marimekko before joining as the Creative Director. Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 The Joe Burrow Foundation announced Friday that a board member had been removed, although the individual was not named. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2025 Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025 But they’re not made members of the McAlbert mob. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Baseball is obviously a huge component of this movie, and there’s plenty of footage of Clemente the Pirate, but Altrogge said his goal was to make this film accessible to non-baseball fans as well.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Exercise is widely regarded as an essential component of health for older adults — particularly strength training.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is especially true when facing the game's many bosses, who often only briefly telegraph their intentions before unleashing attacks that can fill a huge portion of the screen.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
  • What To Know Subway said its four Fresh Fit sandwiches will be built on multigrain bread and contain a serving of vegetables, at least 20 grams of protein and fewer than 500 calories in a 6-inch portion.
    Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor Raddysh signed a two-year, $3 million contract over the summer to add some of those elements, but are the young players vying for a spot on the opposite wing — Brett Berard, Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault — ready to simplify their games and embrace the grunt work?
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the cancellation, the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic team is still expected to perform a flyover later today, maintaining a key element of the ceremonial tribute.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Effectively all of Alaska, all but the southernmost part of Wisconsin and northern Michigan are above the view line.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • In some areas, the leaves begin to change as soon as August and peak in September, like parts of the Rocky Mountains, as well as Alaska and spots in the Cascade Mountains.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One of the fundamental factors influencing the sustainability of this withdrawal rate is the manner in which retirement funds are invested.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Authorities say the act was premeditated and carried out in front of a crowd that included children, a factor that could carry serious sentencing implications.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The underrated sale section is a hub for seriously steep discounts—up to 63% off—on garden decor, lights, and tools to help give your yard a little TLC this fall.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
  • While the rest of Burning Man celebrated, Kruglov lay prostrate on the ground at a faraway campsite in a comparatively desolate section of Black Rock City, his throat slashed, as a puddle of blood congealed around his lifeless body.
    Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Lots of skin care products, from cleansers to serums to moisturizers include B3, which is marketed as an ingredient to help improve skin tone and texture.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Some of the dishes included turtle, bull frogs and sea cucumber – all considered traditional ingredients in China and many other parts of the world.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Barinholtz and Hahn even presented the category for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, but didn't take the opportunity to name-drop Sal Saperstein at any point in their introductory segment.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This segment of the spacecraft provides power, propulsion, and other necessities to keep Cygnus operating in orbit.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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