material 1 of 2

noun

Definition of materialnext
1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed she's clearly movie star material

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in equipment
usually materials plural items needed for the performance of a task or activity I have all the materials to build the mobile

Synonyms & Similar Words

material

2 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce material (audio)
1
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter there's no material evidence, such as a dead body, that a murder has been committed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect there's no material difference between the two designs for the skyscraper: one's as bad as the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mundane
having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven people who worry more about material concerns than about spiritual ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body material needs such as food and warmth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word material different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of material?

The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When might apposite be a better fit than material?

In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is apropos a more appropriate choice than material?

Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When could germane be used to replace material?

While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When can pertinent be used instead of material?

The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Where would relevant be a reasonable alternative to material?

The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 material
Noun
Ordinary people gained access to lighting, fuel, and the materials that built modern infrastructure. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Qnity also supplies materials used in the advanced packaging of chips, which is increasingly important in the AI era. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Its faster, lower-cost testing and robust data may help engineers make better material choices for products ranging from packaging to infrastructure and medical devices. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026 The spokesperson maintained that the grand jury had a right to hear from material witnesses and said the department’s inquiry would continue. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
  1. potential
  2. equipment
  3. physical
  4. important
  5. mundane
  6. relevant
  7. bodily
  8. substance
Noun
  • Pimpton seems like the best candidate due to his potential on the field and charisma off it.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • And though Chiles has been disappointing so far, there’s still some potential there, especially if Kelly figures out a way to lean into his strengths.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • Drivers should pay extra attention while passing through work zones and be aware of all workers and repair equipment.
    — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This year police are hoping to procure about $186,000 worth of equipment.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of equipment
Adjective
  • The task force points out that the physical environment and forces of nature can affect drones’ performance disproportionately.
    — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • In a handwritten criminal complaint, Patty’s ex-wife described a disturbing physical altercation that allegedly left her with a swollen arm, neck pain and a bump on her head.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • The most important rule of any total solar eclipse is to be inside the narrow path of totality rather than merely close to it.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The most important way that European landscapes are changing is that unprecedented numbers of people are leaving rural areas, a phenomenon that has accelerated in the last fifty years.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Practicing deviating from our defaults, no matter how mundane, prepares us to deviate again, even in higher stakes contexts.
    — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • This felt like a rather mundane offseason around these parts.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of mundane
Adjective
  • Analysts point out that these latest tariffs could deal a severe blow to Canada’s relevant export industries, erode market confidence, and drag down overall economic growth.
    — , CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Her responsibilities are to ensure strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders and develop partnerships with key organizations.
    — María Luisa Martínez Díez, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of relevant
Adjective
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • When someone drinks heavily over a prolonged period, the brain adapts by ramping up chemical signals to keep bodily systems functioning, according to experts.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of bodily
Noun
  • Republican Jim Shaw injected humor into his remarks, pulling out a Florida flag while distancing himself from substance use.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Those observations, translated into accessible language, are the substance of genuine thought leadership.
    — Vikrant Shaurya, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of substance

Phrases Containing material

Browse Nearby Words

materfamiliases
material
materialism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on material

Nglish: Translation of material for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about material

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