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 All three Cabinet members denied wrongdoing. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025 The Pac-12 has undergone extraordinary change in the last two years, between losing 10 of its 12 members, gaining nine new member schools next year and inking at least two long-term media partnerships. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 6 Sep. 2025 In a personal touch, McConaughey’s real-life son, Levi, and his mother, Kay McConaughey, appear as his character’s family members. Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 Some of the members, like Lipton and Yun, had already played in bands together. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Madaan’s production aims to capture the era’s charm while incorporating the famous monument as more than mere scenery — the Taj Mahal functions as an integral story component in the leads’ romantic journey.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This award consisted of hardware components, repair services, engineering and logistic support, and development for rotary-wing aircraft.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Parts of it would be carved up and grafted onto surrounding Democratic-leaning districts, and a significant portion would be added to a new Latino-majority seat in central Los Angeles County, basically leaving Calvert with a viable district from which to seek reelection.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Copeland is the fourth Republican candidate to signal an intention to run for the party's nomination in House District 5, which includes a portion of Boone County.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The style is a favorite of the model-off-duty set, like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid, and adds an element of ease to any outfit.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The accelerating global transition toward electrification—via EVs, grid-scale batteries and solar and wind power—currently requires high quantities of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements.
    Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Images from the scene showed the front part of the top deck of the bus smashed in and its metal frame badly dented, as first responders cordoned off the area.
    Lizbeth Diaz, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • As part of its deal, Japan also placed an order for 100 Boeing jets, although the value of the order was not disclosed.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Texas, capital murder comes into play when aggravating factors are present, such as the victim being under 15 years old.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Department of Buildings told CBS News New York and News 12 Long Island that a 10-by-10-inch section of the ceiling collapsed due to possible water damage, and pieces of the building fell on customers dining inside.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The books are now located on the top shelves of adult nonfiction sections, with signs notifying patrons of the change.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This extra-cautious outlook doesn’t surprise those familiar with the EU’s approach to ingredient regulation.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Each of Zen Donkey’s products are made from ingredients that are grown on Barker Sternberg’s farm in Lone Jack, Missouri.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Paula’s other son, Jamie Deen, 58, recalls Lauer’s demeanor when questioning his mother during the segment.
    Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The relative discount to its historical average, as well as some peers, reflects its heavier exposure to the more volatile NAND segment, recent market drawdowns, and historical concerns about earnings cyclicality.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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