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
as in to mean
to be of importance
she believes that doing well in school really does matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of matter
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
To ensure great placement in a show and its storylines, says Cukaj, the network had to get the word out earlier, and not leave such matters to the last minute.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026
So what exactly are the wage garnishment rules that matter most right now, and what do borrowers need to understand about them?
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter
Noun
For the third time in as many meetings this season, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars needed a shootout to decide matters.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
To ensure great placement in a show and its storylines, says Cukaj, the network had to get the word out earlier, and not leave such matters to the last minute.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
What mattered was the freshness of the programming and the spark of the performances—above all, the sly, idiomatic singing of the soprano Melissa Wimbish.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026
So what exactly are the wage garnishment rules that matter most right now, and what do borrowers need to understand about them?
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
Noun
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
-
This might make a good topic for a future column.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The visiting Lancers managed to draw things level at 3-3 by the end of the first quarter, after two late scores, including two short-range finishes by Ella Avery and Kylea Keefe.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
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The best coaches will set aside time to work on new drills, figure out lineups, game plan for future opponents, and many other things that go under the radar but can make-or-break a season.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Weeks earlier, the same two employees told the I‑Team they had been hired to open mail and scan documents and were unaware of the fraud allegations or arrest of the man who ran the company.—
Brian New,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Of those, 41,212 voters had voted early in-person, per the DuPage County Clerk’s Office, while 35,966 mail-in ballots had been received and verified.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Clemons also argued that skill game machines may contribute to public safety problems.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
-
At the time, there were problems, and Mueller said as much.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This work revealed bullet-like outflows blasting from the black hole's vicinity at speeds up to around 14% the speed of light.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Helicopters or attack aircraft would have to fly in the vicinity, ready to take on air or sea drones, said analyst Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This means that your desire to whip things in shape at home or with a family member might be ill-timed.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The losses deepened after the Fed decided to keep its main interest rate steady, instead of resuming cuts meant to give the job market and economy a boost.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The divided views highlight deeper questions about how the site should be redeveloped and whether an arena fits.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Commissioner Pardo sees the issue as a significant safety problem, particularly on NE Fifth Street, where cars unable to fit in the bike lane often park alongside it.—
Larry Seward,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
This includes an erstwhile Democrat who spent considerable time and political capital on the issue.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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