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 Season two will see Cousins return, this time as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, with Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 Barnhart appeared just once in the postseason, in 2020, as a member of the Reds. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 While a solution was put in place, Gastonia’s mayor, a city council member and local advocates say that having the cooling station outdoors is less than acceptable. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 In 1976, Misericordia expanded its operations to the former Angel Guardian Orphanage, on 22 acres in West Ridge, with Connelly, 39 children and 35 dedicated staff members moving there. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • One reason is that these five stocks – all DJIA components – have been dropping in price, not rising.
    John Navin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Every three months the components are reset to 2.5% weighting.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The Council of Economic Advisers, an agency within the presidential executive office, estimates that changes in the legislation will help push the portion of seniors with exemptions and deductions exceeding Social Security income to 88%, from 64% under current law.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • By Tuesday, major heat risk will shift further east and affect coastal and other portions of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Lamont knows the futility of trying to please everyone, which may be one element of his success.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • The result will be an increase in preying on immigrants by the criminal element: robbery, protection scams, sweatshop labor and human trafficking, as the immigrant community withdraws from reliance on no-longer-safe court systems.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The series will conclude with its upcoming fifth season, to be released in three parts on Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • The final season will air in three parts spread between November and December.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Other factors, including rising ocean levels and the warming—and thus swelling—of the atmosphere can make a difference too, slightly increasing planetary circumference.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
  • At the heart of this innovative post-cleanse toner/essence are herbal staples ginseng, Solomon's seal, and Japanese lily, which soothe, brighten, and protect skin against environmental factors that can lead to signs of aging.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Fortunately, Free People’s sale section is bursting at the seams right now — featuring longline shorts made for pairing with cowboy boots, oversized crewnecks you’ll be tempted to throw on over your bikini once the sun goes down, and similar seasonal essentials.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
  • Best Amazon Prime Day Comfortable Shoe Deals Amazon’s sale shoe section is chock-full of top brands.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Depending on the material of the grates, keep them clean by soaking and scrubbing with a few household ingredients.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
  • Nicotine is the key ingredient, either extracted from tobacco leaf or made synthetically.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • That was the largest acquisition in the company’s history, aimed at helping Home Depot win a much bigger share of the mammoth professional-contractors segment.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Rise’s sunroom and patio are next to a large lawn and greenspace that replaced a segment of parking lot.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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