raw material

Definition of raw materialnext
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed Canada now converts most of its raw materials into manufactured goods such as automobiles and auto parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 raw material Supplier lead-time swings were cited by 29 percent of respondents, while raw material costs came in with 23 percent. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Mineral-rich African nations are converging around a push to pivot from simply exporting raw materials to a greater emphasis on local processing to add value and jobs that can generate long-term growth. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026 New plastic made from raw materials can cost less, which reduces the financial incentive to buy recycled. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Manufacturing companies often run on lean margins and have significant capital tied up in raw materials, machines and labor. — Marc Kermisch, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raw material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw material
Noun
  • This suggests the potential for more direct state involvement.
    — Mike Sheen, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Plus, the Panthers’ injury situation — no Devin Lloyd (calf), with the potential for no Xavier Legette (knee) or Jalen Coker (ankle) — worries me.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Circ’s technology is designed to separate polycotton into its component materials, recovering cellulose from cotton and PTA and MEG, the building blocks of polyester, from the polyester component.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The same mathematical framework applies to 2D materials like hexagonal boron nitride and molybdenum trioxide, which host hybrid light-matter excitations called hyperbolic phonon polaritons.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raw material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw%20material. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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