material 1 of 2

Definition of materialnext

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
When the bandstand was built in 1924, downtown business owners paid for the materials and local contractors donated their labor. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 The cells use perovskite, a material known for absorbing sunlight efficiently at lower production costs than silicon. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Adjective
It was supposed to incentivize companies to consider the fate of their products and spur innovation in material redesign. Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 Olivia Burgos, 23, is charged with making a material false statement in the acquisition of a firearm. Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • In fact, white clover flourishes best in full sun, says Watkins who sees the potential for clover to flourish in USDA Zones 6-9 and beyond year-round.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
  • The results suggest a broad surge in support for loosening restrictions on research into substances such as psilocybin and MDMA to probe their potential for medical use.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Fly By Jing discovered that a third-party manufacturer produces its products on equipment that also processed peanuts, which may have led to cross-contamination, according to the recall.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • The device could also diagnose sleep disorders without bulky la equipment, monitor mental health conditions over time, and sense early signs of medical complications, the university said.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The affidavit states that Dunmars parked in front of Hayes’ vehicle, partially blocking her path, before a physical fight allegedly broke out involving Dunmars’ daughter and two of Hayes’ daughters.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • And with more than 20 miles of trails on the property to explore, the natural surroundings here cannot help but enhance members’ mental and physical well-being.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The promises made and attacks scattered like buckshot on the San Francisco soundstage all seem much less important than the numbers that show up in opinion polls between now and Election Day.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • This is especially important for low-income communities and others who rely heavily on the shot for contraception.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The leaders of the future may need to be AI fluent, not just AI aware, using agentic-first approaches in automating mundane tasks, and, most importantly, focusing on agile problem resolution.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 18 May 2026
  • Demna has made these mundane character studies a cornerstone of his creative vision, and this Gucci show in New York was no exception.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The appeals court that ordered a trial court to reconsider Peters' sentence said the trial judge's consideration of her belief in the existence of 2020 election fraud went beyond what was relevant to sentencing her.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • Shabbat is one of the great expressions of that wisdom — and one that feels especially relevant today.
    Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ebola is highly contagious and can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • Another was arrested at his home on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing great bodily injury or death.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • When the Moon enters Taurus, recognition feels grounded because the message has substance behind it.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Addictive pursuits from substance abuse through to gaming supposedly flood the brain with dopamine and hijack our actions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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