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
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Recent Examples of raw material
Also, these geopolymers can take longer to set than cement, though the setting time can be sped up by using raw materials that react quickly.
—
Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Longer-lasting materials mean fewer raw materials extracted, less energy consumed in manufacturing, and lower waste generation.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
This framing mirrors the wider African commodity narrative, in which the continent exports raw materials while capturing only a sliver of global value.
—Bright Simons, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Mold was detected in the raw material used to make the supplements, triggering the recall.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for raw material
Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Longer-lasting materials mean fewer raw materials extracted, less energy consumed in manufacturing, and lower waste generation.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
This framing mirrors the wider African commodity narrative, in which the continent exports raw materials while capturing only a sliver of global value.
—Bright Simons, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Mold was detected in the raw material used to make the supplements, triggering the recall.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for raw material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw material
Noun
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Forecasters with the National Weather Service are warning that Thursday should bring dangerous driving conditions in the mountains, with the potential for roadway closures in the Tejon Pass on the 5 Freeway.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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That could mean finding better ways to use Engram, who showed some flashes of big-play potential at times during his first season in Denver, but the team should also view the upcoming NFL Draft as an opportunity to add a talented target at the position who can grow in the offense over time.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For the first few billion years of cosmic history, galaxies formed and grew by accreting more and more material from the intergalactic medium, as well as by merging together to form larger, more mature galaxies.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
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While the weight and material of the set is noteworthy, the beautiful matelassé-style pattern—complete with floral motifs and geometric designs—adds a sophisticated touch to any space.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Raw material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw%20material. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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