matter 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-tər How to pronounce matter (audio)
Definition of matternext
1
as in topic
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
2
as in thing
something to be dealt with we must take care of this matter before it becomes a real problem

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mail
communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system first-class matter

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in problem
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
5
as in vicinity
an approximate amount, extent, or degree a simple meal that can be prepared in a matter of 20 to 30 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

matter

2 of 2

verb

as in to mean
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 matter
Noun
Now, as fall camp ramps up ahead of the former NFL coach's second season, questions are again swirling about matters away from the field. — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The lunar eclipse in Pisces will also put money, self-worth and matters of compensation under a microscope at the end of the month. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
Nevertheless, being understood matters more than being technically correct today. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 As the nation’s top health official, Kennedy’s words matter and carry enormous influence. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
  1. topic
  2. thing
  3. mail
  4. problem
  5. vicinity
  6. mean
  7. question
  8. issue
Noun
  • But as the topic turned to the relationship school shooter Colt Gray had with his mother Marcee – the allegations of abuse and neglect and her chummy jail conversations with him after the shooting – Breanna Schermerhorn could no longer stay silent.
    — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Max Clark is a topic unto himself, a lightning rod with a big personality, can’t-miss tattoos, magenta gear and glimmering chains that have become synonymous with his persona.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Pascal, 51, kept things casual in a purple T-shirt and matching shorts while relaxing on the yacht.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Rooms The Balfour’s 82 rooms and suites keep things simple and lighthearted.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Smith remembers eating Spam three times a day while his father worked odd jobs, including driving a taxi, before eventually scraping together enough money to launch a mail-order hosiery business.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • There could be a time crunch, however, as general election mail ballots would start being printed at the end of August.
    — Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • That is where the building blocks of competency, problem-solving, and care for others complement and reinforce instead of competing and creating gaps.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • In the study, ChatGPT Health performed better with classic problems like a stroke or anaphylaxis, but when people downplayed symptoms, the AI tended toward a less urgent recommendation.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the Member of Parliament [MP] for Suffolk Coastal, praised the efforts of local officials and urged people to steer clear of the vicinity.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 30 July 2026
  • Temperatures measured by satellite in Genevieve’s vicinity are running at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, nearly 3 degrees above normal for this time of year.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • Having no motor drive meant constant manual tracking, which rules out long-exposure astrophotography of nebulae or galaxies.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The minor issue meant that Marisa couldn’t pass on citizenship to her daughter or grandchildren.
    — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • O’Donnell and Hasselbeck again publicly sparred over social media after the former replied to a question about their 2007 clash on the Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel podcast.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The real questions are why the ideology took hold after 1970 and whether current conditions will foster it--or exterminate it.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Extreme heat in Europe is becoming increasingly frequent, evolving from a purely climate issue into an economic challenge.
    — , CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Crepe myrtles may not bloom due to poor pruning, low light, watering issues, weak soil, or pests.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

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matted
matter
mattered
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Cite this Entry

“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Nglish: Translation of matter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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