Synonym Chooser

How is the word member distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of member are division, fragment, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

In what contexts can division take the place of member?

While in some cases nearly identical to member, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When is fragment a more appropriate choice than member?

Although the words fragment and member have much in common, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When is it sensible to use part instead of member?

The words part and member are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would piece be a good substitute for member?

While the synonyms piece and member are close in meaning, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to member?

In some situations, the words portion and member are roughly equivalent. However, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When can section be used instead of member?

The words section and member can be used in similar contexts, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When might segment be a better fit than member?

The meanings of segment and member largely overlap; however, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

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 member Rubio hailed El Salvador’s president on Sunday, noting that 10 more people who are alleged to be members of two gangs were deported for imprisonment. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025 Quartz members get access to exclusive newsletters and more. Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025 Shapiro had celebrated with a Seder at the official residence with his family and members of the Jewish community in the same room where authorities said the fire was set. Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Kher will introduce the screening alongside cast and crew members, with numerous A-list celebrities expected in attendance. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • One to look at in particular is the memory component of these graphics cards.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Vehicle parts are the bigger component of the tariff challenge.
    Morgan Korn, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • OneNote's clipper can grab an entire website, a portion of a website, or just the content of an article.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Judah discovered his double portion, while his dad had one and mom had none.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, there are elements of youth and inexperience that can only be felt in my shows in the past, perhaps my fans can find entertainment in my growth as well.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After the Entrada, there are traces of Teotihuacan’s presence all over Tikal, from royal burials in a necropolis to distinctly Mexican architecture mixed with Maya elements in a complex of residential and ceremonial buildings near the heart of the city.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their appeal is one of three religious rights cases the Supreme Court is deciding in the coming weeks, and could be part of a recent trend of the court siding with religious rights advocates.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Recruiting top-tier talent has been a key factor in Rebellions’ success, says Ki-Jun Kim, CEO of Kakao Ventures, who first met Park in 2019 and decided to invest 2 billion won in Rebellions within an hour of their conversation.
    John Kang, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Actual refund amounts will vary based on a filer's status, withholding amount, and other factors.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Thanks everyone for reading, and especially to all of you who argued your favorite team’s case in a way that made the comment section slightly less of a trainwreck than other comment sections.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Instagram comment sections are flooded with hearts and flowers; the media memorializes a tragedy.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Every ingredient chosen for the supplement is backed by scientific research to help support better sleep.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • These efficacious, natural ingredients include chamomile, California poppy, lemon verbena, linden, magnesium, rosemary and cardamom.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Other performers this season include Noah Kahan, Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Chris Stapleton, Renee Rapp, Jonathan Van Ness and Billie Jean King joining for songs and other segments.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • One recent example that offers broader lessons for executives across sectors comes from the mental health innovation space, specifically the biotech and therapeutics segment.
    Natalie Dolphin, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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