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 There’s a familiar rhetorical pattern to retirement announcements by most members of Congress. David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The Cesar Chavez Commemorative Committee announced it has been dissolved, and members are working on rebranding. Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026 Requests can be initiated by a property owner whose land touches the street or by a City Council member. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Incumbent Sadia Covert, of Naperville, faces challengers Marylee Leu, of Aurora, and Ian Holzhauer, a Naperville City Council member. Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • The blend consists of grain and malt components, the latter of which comes from Bushmills, that are aged in various types of casks.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Additionally, many toilets, including some smart toilets, lack a component to filter water into a bidet or the bowl itself.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The pool portion of the project would have an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool, a warm water therapy pool and an activity pool with a water slide, play features and additional lap lanes.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Order the prosciutto cotto eggs Benedict (the English muffin recipe handed down from Petty’s mom) and the cast-iron corn pancake served with a generous portion of butter and berry preserves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The redesign updates the hotel’s playful style while incorporating modern technology and design elements, featuring art curated by NINE dot ARTS.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Penn has five players from Illinois on the team, and that has added an element of fun to the matchup.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Thomas contributed by designing and producing many of the robot’s mechanical parts using 3D printing technology.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Because Buckley has short hair, a chignon or updo was not an option—but combed neatly back with a side part, clearing the face, feels like a very Grace Kelly detail.
    Ana Serrano, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Nourishment, hydration, definition, slip—these are all factors that come to mind when thinking of the best curly hair products.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That section of town received evacuation alerts hours after flames threatened the area, and much later than wealthier, whiter areas of the unincorporated town.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Markings on the tail section identified the aircraft as belonging to the 940th Air Refueling Wing at Beale, home to the Air Force Reserve Command unit.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the kitchen, ingredients are sourced locally to reduce carbon footprint and maintain freshness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • While Phlur continues to dominate as a household name, brands like Salt&Stone, Maison Louis Marie, and Sidia are blending skincare-ingredients with their scents.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The 14ers will have their own segment of the stadium for home matches this season at Centennial Stadium, a bleacher section where fans will stand for the entire match.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • CVs are one of the fastest growing segments in financial services.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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