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material

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adjective

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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
This casual style staple has hundreds of five-star ratings from happy customers thanks to its cozy material and oversized fit. Esme Benjamin, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025 Even many of the materials that were used to construct these buildings — a lot of it was developed for wartime. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
In general, a material certification shows that the fabric has undergone certain tests and achieved specific standards and certificates. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025 While their efforts are sweet, kindness and earnest optimism alone can’t change material conditions, something the show is acutely aware of. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • While a wide range of filmmakers have embraced the potential of AI to enhance production and bring about efficiencies, the technology has been a hot button for unions given the potential risk to industry jobs.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The potential for cuts in Medicaid, the joint federal-state program that helps lower income people obtain health care, is a particularly attractive target for Democrats.
    David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Hyundai Rotem specializes in producing railway equipment and defense products.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, household appliances, communication equipment, and forest industry were among the worst-performing subsectors.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • March 14th brings the full moon total lunar eclipse in Virgo (2:54 a.m. EST, 23° Virgo), a major moment of truth for our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This historical pattern prompts an important question: could Deere’s current $500 share price potentially fall below $350 if similar market conditions recur?
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From there on out, the film takes a couple of major swings in the realm of its timeline — a strange temporal unfurling — as well as the seeming motives behind A.J. and Isaac’s arrival, and Camille’s readiness to host them alongside a friend who clearly needs some alone time.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Scientists had long thought that deciphering those qualities — collectively known as prosody — happened in the superior temporal gyrus, an area of the brain associated with speech perception.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • China's relevant cooperation with the DPRK is conducted within the framework of international law.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The once-clear distinction between physical security—focused on guarding tangible assets—and cybersecurity, which protects digital data and networks, is becoming less relevant as technology advances.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • They are often intertwined with political, moral and spiritual ideas around the rights of an individual versus the community, the limits of government power over bodily autonomy, mistrust of medical institutions and misinformation about shot safety and efficacy.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 9 Mar. 2025
  • He was sentenced to serve eight years in prison for first-degree burglary and assault likely to cause great bodily injury.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The trouble with dark matter Dark matter is the name scientists have given to the mysterious substance that accounts for around 85% of the universe's total matter content.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This breakdown in the barrier then lets in outside substances and microbes, and the immune system goes wild.
    Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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