MATTERS Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

matters 1 of 2

noun

plural of matter

as in topics

a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) that is not relevant to the matter under discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in things

something to be dealt with we must take care of this matter before it becomes a real problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in mails

communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system first-class matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in problems

something that requires thought and skill for resolution I've been thinking about the matter all night, and I believe I have a solution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

matters

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of matter

as in means

to be of importance she believes that doing well in school really does matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 matters

Noun

Emergency responders were expected to be busy dealing with urgent matters for 36 hours as the storm passed Hawaii, with damage assessment expected to begin on Monday, said the governor. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 What matters is finding your people, in whatever form that takes, whether that’s online, in a support group, in one friend who really sees you, or in the stories of strangers who made it through something similar. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 Two states, Massachusetts and Idaho, will vote on ballot initiatives regarding legalization, and in several others, including Kansas and Iowa, gubernatorial candidates are debating cannabis matters. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 In a competition where every snap matters, Daniels turned his opportunity into a statement in the 24-16 win. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Coach Regis Le Bris appears to have quelled that for this summer, citing a lack of other striking options beyond Brian Brobbey in a season where his side have European football to contend with on top of domestic matters. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Although John and Hal (or at least Hal) have expertise in these matters, the town sheriff (Macdonald’s Kerry) isn’t eager to give up her jurisdiction. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 Police agencies that embrace these systems to make their work easier can’t be trusted to police themselves in such matters. — Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2026 However, how much a particular score matters can vary by lender and mortgage program. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026

Verb

Choose the task that truly matters, simplify one obligation, and protect enough quiet to keep your body on board. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026 Why durability matters far from paved roads Solar panels sitting on the roof of a building have a relatively peaceful life. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 That distinction matters now because some policymakers and advocates are moving backward, especially in math. — Michael Casserly, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Ask teachers what matters most, and their answers have surprisingly little to do with shopping. — Adrienne Farr, Parents, 15 Aug. 2026 Why GaN matters GaN is a wide-bandgap semiconductor that has become increasingly important for military RF electronics. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 However, impacts are what matters to emergency managers, first responders, and decisionmakers. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 If a supervisor pings you near dinner, offer a time tomorrow and put the pot on the stove, because your steadiness matters at home. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026 For those schools and schools around the state, that money matters. — Sen. Doug McCrory, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matters

Noun

Wildfire prevention and evacuation planning are among the hottest topics at this time of year.

— Chuck Page, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
One of the topics tackled was how to reach next-generation Disney fans with next-generation content formats to keep the company’s many franchises relevant to Gen Alpha and beyond.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of topics

Noun

Manchester City’s defence was wide open in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and that could be a sign of things to come now that Rodri is playing for Barcelona in La Liga.

— Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
And if history is any indication, expect safety Tre’von Moehrig to be in the middle of things when the pads start poppin’ at the Panthers’ joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Jags’ practice facility.

— Joseph Person, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of things

Noun

Prosecutors said Graves' body was partially wrapped in black garbage bags secured with duct tape, then rolled up in a rug alongside blankets, bags, pieces of mails, various items of clothing and trash.

— Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Tyler has been embedded in the treasurer’s office, which calculates and mails out property tax bills, for years.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026

Definition of mails

Noun

More seats, more problems Part of the solution is fixing predictable design flaws — like ensuring flight attendants can actually see passengers over high privacy walls — early in the development process to avoid last-minute delays.

— Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
And that could cause scores of other problems for our country.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of problems

Verb

To travel well often means opening yourself up to discomfort or difference, which inherently means a willingness to make a fool of yourself.

— Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
In China, anyone who holds a position of authority is almost certainly a party member, and being kicked out of the party means the end of one’s political career.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of means

Noun

For Garfield, the story’s themes of nature, imagination and community feel especially timely as technology increasingly shapes everyday life.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The cinematic drama is an exploration of violence, body and identity – themes that Lenz has also touched on in his previous work.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of themes

Noun

While there is a small boardwalk on the sand in between loungers, it’d be tricky to access for anyone with mobility issues.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Democrats say the flip indicates voters want education to move on from political fights over social issues, while conservatives point to their wins.

— Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of issues

Noun

The collection includes multiple correspondences between Stamp and the late Princess of Wales, from Christmas photos featuring her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to birthday cards.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Police also allegedly found photos in the chatroom correspondences, according to Spadjinske.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026