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
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
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
James Hill,
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Both sets of projects sit under the larger umbrella of responsible procurement, which includes new raw materials procurement guidelines that set criteria for preferred materials beyond greenhouse gas emissions.
—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
25 June 2026
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Vermeer’s pictures are often observed to harbor spiritual meanings as well as material ones, flickering back and forth between the two.
—
Clare Bucknell,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
However, the department faced criticism from some lawmakers who questioned whether the department has violated the act by withholding some materials and missing the deadline to release the files.
—
James Hill,
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Both sets of projects sit under the larger umbrella of responsible procurement, which includes new raw materials procurement guidelines that set criteria for preferred materials beyond greenhouse gas emissions.
—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
25 June 2026
Adjective
Rescue teams from El Salvador and the Dominican Republic arrived in Venezuela on Thursday, along with rescuers and material aid from Mexico.
—
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Vermeer’s pictures are often observed to harbor spiritual meanings as well as material ones, flickering back and forth between the two.
—
Clare Bucknell,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
Organizers had urged attendees earlier in the day Sunday to monitor conditions closely as forecasts called for the potential of severe thunderstorms across DC.
-
The act of focusing intently on an object—a holy name, a mantra, the Eucharist—has the potential to transform a person’s desires.
Noun
-
The next day, a team from Chile, utilizing radar and sonar sound-detection equipment, confirmed the presence of Gil, still alive, in the sub-basement.
-
Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
Adjective
-
Balogun crashed into Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemović, landing his foot on top of Muharemović’s during the physical match.
-
Hawaiian Tropic’s zinc oxide formula, a physical UV blocker, brushes on with a matte, translucent finish and leaves no white cast on most skin tones.
Adjective
-
One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.
-
As technology becomes more sophisticated and the number of living survivors continues to decline, preserving authentic testimony becomes even more important.
Adjective
-
Now, new research may rewrite the definition of these planets that make the solar system look a little bit mundane.
-
However, Mamdani wasted no time putting his stamp on the relatively small Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), which is tasked with comparatively mundane administrative duties of issuing shooting permits to film and TV productions.
Adjective
-
Its binding values of labor and community remain relevant, even if today’s Hollywood rarely speaks to them.
-
Each organization will continue to be led by a management team with deep industry experience that will benefit from focused strategic priorities and the ability to pursue opportunities most relevant to their businesses.
Adjective
-
According to The Sun, Garland was named in court documents in the conviction of Vitor Mazzer, who was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent during New Year’s Eve in 2019.
-
Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, were found guilty by a jury last month of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Noun
-
Both her mother and brother struggled with substance abuse, which eventually led to their deaths.
-
Watson will also have to stay away from the victim — and record a video about the harm of substance abuse and the importance of mental health treatment.
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
