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 Noel was last seen in 2022 and reported missing by concerned family members in March 2023, according to police in Everman, Texas. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 Garst questioned whether board members knew about the report and whether the district shared it with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office during its investigation into the shooting at Evergreen High School last September. Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Beginner lessons are $10 per class for members and $15 for nonmembers. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026 Trans Aero MedEvac said four members of its team were on board. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Those downstream margin pressures due to cost increases reflect upstream margin expansion for the memory component manufacturers themselves.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • But, this could be missing a trick as the nitrate contains large amounts of nitrogen, a key component of fertilizer in the first place.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Specific financial arrangements have not been announced, though a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit a local nonprofit that provides programming for the LGBTQ+ community.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
  • However, the cap would have only covered a small portion of the losses caused by the collapse of the bridge, AG Brown said.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • So, even these magical elements that are not realistic are informed by the research.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
  • In the United Kingdom, according to Andrew Crisell, talk and music radio brings together the two typical elements of radio content in a mix of information, culture, and entertainment.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Despite missing the playoffs with a 42-40 record and flaming out of the Play-In Tournament against the Golden State Warriors, the Clippers did not have their own first-round pick, part of the cost for the 2019 swap of 2018 lottery pick Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 2019 MVP finalist Paul George.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Mohammadi’s family said her health had been deteriorating in prison, in part because she was heavily beaten during her arrest.
    Sarah el Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Without a control group, a study is unlikely to reveal which factors in someone’s life led them to act.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
  • All these factors have contributed to confusion about whether participating in No Mow May is still beneficial.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The most touching sections feature John expressing his love for Yoko, and drawing a connection between his love for her and his relationship with Paul, as well as his unresolved feelings about his 1970s activism.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
  • The Patriots broke a 14-14 tie with kills from Hudson McFarlane and the game-winning attack from David Griffin to claim Christian’s first section title in boys volleyball.
    Breven Honda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Much of the ingredients will be sources directly from Greece, including olive oil, olives, feta cheese and grape leaves.
    Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • The bar menu is divided into Indian regions, each with cocktails inspired by the dishes and ingredients local to that part of the country.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Filming for this season’s segments at the six restaurants all took place in February, with Fieri visiting each spot with his son and fellow Food Network personality, Hunter.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026
  • The system is paired with CATL’s latest 6C Qilin battery technology, positioning the luxury MPV among the faster-charging EVs in its segment.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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