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 Additionally, members of the JFL creative development and festival programming teams were involved in the selection process. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025 Though the feature is opt-in only and just viewable by select users, the feature has sparked concern from advocacy groups and members of Congress. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The film features returning cast members like Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller. Thania Garcia, Variety, 14 July 2025 Hamm, who like Ellis Maples is a member of the Carolina Golf Hall of Fame, opened the first course in 1968, a layout that hosted the ACC men’s golf championship in 1970, 1973, and 1975. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • These are often available even in economy, though the specific kits usually vary by class of service Sustainable amenity kits Chua said Singapore works with its suppliers to make sure all the components in the amenity kit, like lotion bottles, are as recyclable or sustainable as possible.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The weight of a car can be attributed to many components, such as the size of the vehicle, chassis, the engine and fluid, but the battery of EVs is where a bulk of their weight comes from.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The River Park hopes to break ground by the end of the year on the Osuna segment at the east end of the Surf Park—the new one-mile trail portion will include a 150-foot-long steel truss bridge across the San Dieguito River.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The blank portions are designed to ensure officers read through the drafts to correct potential errors or add missing information.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, cooking methods like baking, boiling, and mashing don’t usually add these elements.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Creating Demi was not as simple as halving each element.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But the group wasn't part of the Ukrainian president's initial sit-down with Trump.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • But reading a great part in a great script still lights a fire in him.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • All these factors combined pointed to one likely explanation.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Even though Singapore's inflation has recently cooled to a four-year low, the country still has one of the highest costs of living, according to multiple surveys, due to structural factors like expensive housing and import costs.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Your headline is the most important of all profile sections for search optimization.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The bacteria was in water in a small section of the city water system near Monroe Fire Department Station 4 at 3907 Old Charlotte Highway, the city news release said.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, scientific research has pointed to psilocybin—the active ingredient found in certain types of mushrooms—as a promising treatment for this type of depression, along with other psychiatric conditions.
    Sarah Sinclair, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • With just a few ingredients, this casserole comes together easily.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The segment operates at the intersection of multiple secular growth trends, including smart living, sustainability, and home automation.
    Joe Cornell, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Its blend of casual weirdness and ineffable showmanship — watch Carson slyly turn discomfort into comedy — distills the essence of late night better than any marquee guest or recurring segment.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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