member

noun

ˈmem-bər How to pronounce member (audio)
Definition of membernext
1
as in component
one of the parts that make up a whole you're only one member of this group effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in portion
one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled lost an indispensable member of the model airplane kit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Countless studies have shown that outcomes for citizens improve when members of the media ask probing questions of politicians. —Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025 There's a new cake at Costco this summer – and members are raving about it. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 In the end, three long-serving GOP members, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted against, forcing Vice President JD Vance to break a 50-50 tie. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 1 July 2025 Letting go of trusted and long-serving staff members—from security personnel to dining services—deeply affected the campus community, eroding trust and undermining morale and long-term retention for several years to come. —Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
  1. component
  2. portion
  3. element
  4. part
  5. factor
  6. section
  7. ingredient
  8. segment
Noun
  • Adventure Mate uses a mixture of hardened tool steel, composite and aerospace-grade aluminum to create a powerful, rugged tool that weighs in under 5 lb (2.3 kg) inclusive of all the hard components (handle, axe/saw head and shovel head).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2025
  • Roberson was a key component to the Buffs’ playoff appearance a season ago.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
Definition of component
Noun
  • The team drill portion of Wednesday’s practice included several Lamb highlights.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • Only the inner portion of the core is actually solid; the rest is fluid.
    — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 July 2025
Definition of portion
Noun
  • Hegar's projection, officially called the biennial revenue estimate, is a crucial element in the setup to Tuesday's start of the 2025 legislative session.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Long spoke on the city's programming for youth, which has been a major element of the city's plan to combat juvenile crime during the summertime.
    — David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Definition of element
Noun
  • Eventually, the victim is persuaded to contact an IT security representative, who, in fact, is part of the ransomware operation.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2025
  • Schermerhorn Symphony Center Located at: 1 Symphony Place, Nashville The downtown Nashville concert hall is home to the Nashville Symphony, which has been a part of the city’s music scene since 1946.
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Definition of part
Noun
  • Finances are tight, but United can contemplate another signing because of a few factors.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Therefore, any evacuation decision would need to include factors beyond a hurricane’s category.
    — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of factor
Noun
  • The track with a racing capacity of 146,000 could host 90,000 or more even with sections blocked off.
    — Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Because the other topics in this section had not been updated since 2008, the decision was made to restore the Impeachment case back to its 2008 appearance.
    — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of section
Noun
  • Asking for just 8 ingredients and about half an hour of time, this easy beef stroganoff recipe is a weeknight winner.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
  • Bates taught Fulco about creating harmonious flavor profiles, respecting ingredients and balancing fat and acid.
    — Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of ingredient
Noun
  • As the segment moved into the 3rd Hour of Today, weatherman Al Roker praised those who donate blood regularly.
    — Rachel McRady, People.com, 28 July 2025
  • Instead, identify specific product lines, regions or customer segments where current pricing approaches have become visibly inadequate.
    — Pascal Yammine, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of segment

Browse Nearby Words

melts down
member
members
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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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