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
Cargo ships are a key cog in the global economy, ferrying everything from oil and raw materials to toys and electronics around the world.
—
Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 2 Mar. 2026
For the first time, the cold gas—the raw material from which stars form—of the 650-light-year-wide region known as the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) has been documented in unprecedented detail thanks to a giant telescope.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Around the world, states and empires – from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Vikings, Mongols, Mississippians and Incas – expanded these networks, serving as hubs that coordinated the exchange of raw materials, specialized knowledge and finished products.
—R. Alexander Bentley, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
One of the main drivers of CO2 emissions in chemical auxiliaries is the type of raw materials used.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for raw material
Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 2 Mar. 2026
For the first time, the cold gas—the raw material from which stars form—of the 650-light-year-wide region known as the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) has been documented in unprecedented detail thanks to a giant telescope.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Around the world, states and empires – from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Vikings, Mongols, Mississippians and Incas – expanded these networks, serving as hubs that coordinated the exchange of raw materials, specialized knowledge and finished products.
—R. Alexander Bentley, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
One of the main drivers of CO2 emissions in chemical auxiliaries is the type of raw materials used.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for raw material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw material
Noun
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Some will point to poor television ratings as a sign of trouble, while others can point to crowds drawn this season in Brooklyn and Philadelphia as signs of potential for Unrivaled.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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His trip comes after a February visit by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, which was focused on the country's oil potential.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Of course, there are also regions that have hot, ionized material in the way, such as around active galaxies or in passing through galaxy clusters that have hot, X-ray emitting intracluster mediums.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Mar. 2026
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Attorneys for Meta say the company discloses risks and makes efforts to weed out harmful content and experiences -- acknowledging that some bad material still gets through its safety net.—
MORGAN LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Raw material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw%20material. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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