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 Cost for breakfast is $25; $20 for members. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026 Board members didn’t offer a rationale for Arredondo’s firing, but some members previously made reference to violations of district policy related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 Such is their popularity — and the side-splitting efforts of cast members Giles Terera, Kate O’Donnell, Oliver Stockley and Dino Fetscher — that some of the biggest names in showbiz just can’t stop themselves from seeing what all the fuss is about. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026 And on self-dealing, members pointed to DHS not using the customary bidding process surrounding an ad campaign. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • As an iconic component of downtown infrastructure, the skyway network cannot be separated from broader discussions about the revitalization of downtown.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Nacua was an essential component to that, reeling in a game-high 10 passes for 111 yards.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That response was to a question specifically about inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who missed the Broncos’ final two regular-season games with a hamstring injury and was one of the only players not on the field during a brief portion of Friday’s workout open to reporters.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Credit card interest rates represent a significant portion of financial institutions’ revenue.
    Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Simulating strength in real-time To ensure durability, MechStyle uses finite element analysis, a physics simulation that highlights weak regions in a 3D model under realistic forces.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
  • But the elements of one of those, a felony conviction for criminal impersonation, was improperly presented to the jury with language for the misdemeanor version of the crime, another element of her case that alarmed the panel's judges.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jennifer Lopez, for example, stepped out on December 6 in a slouchy shawl-collar cardigan that was equal parts festive and classic.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • For tougher soap scum, mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a microwave-safe bowl.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His reckless decision to escalate the aggression and number of immigration agents is a causal factor, regardless of the outcome of an investigation into this tragic death.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Researchers revealed that one of the key factors that enabled Despotopulos and his team to make these first-ever experimental measurements was access to the world’s highest-energy laser system, located at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility (NIF).
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The victim then fell into the seating section below.
    Riley Rourke, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The comment section of the reality TV star's post was flooded with congratulatory messages, while Sutherland has not yet shared the baby announcement on his social media.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Located along the bustling stretch of Platja de l’Arenal, the restaurant offers high-caliber dining that changes with the seasons and highlights local ingredients.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The multi-use primer is packed with skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that feel nourishing on the skin.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • During his segment, the actor opened up about his recent string of out-there looks, which also included teeny-tiny shorts and long hair.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Netflix is third in that list, and the huge response to Stranger Things‘ final segment over Christmas is likely to have driven engagement higher since the study was conducted.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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