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 Many of our current team members started through these programs. Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025 George acknowledges his dominant role but pretty much laughs off any frustration the other members might have felt. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 Some 37,000 Ukrainians, including civilians, children and members of the military, are officially recognized as missing. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 June 2025 So too was another key member of Indiana’s 2012 title-winning roster, Briann January, who, like Kelly, is also in her first season as a Fever assistant. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Unlike stocks, which can be valued on the basis of tangible components such a company’s goods and services, bitcoin is considered a store of value, and its price is driven by what others are willing to pay for it.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Health insurers - losers The bill includes substantial funding cuts for the U.S. Medicaid program, with fiscal hawks pushing for cuts to partly offset the cost of the bill's tax components.
    Shashwat Chauhan, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Elam also shared portions of one of Lewis' final text messages to her.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 June 2025
  • Developed through a series of governing districts through the 1990s and 2000s, portions of the 35,000-acre Lakewood Ranch community imposed district fees that reached a median of nearly $4,000 last year in its Community Development District 6, records show.
    Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • By assessing population data, demographics and neighborhoods can be identified as lacking certain elements.
    FNU Anupama, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The new customization center will incorporate renewable energy with built in energy-efficient design elements in lighting, water consumption and overall layout.
    Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • This may force the 76-year-old, who is battling an undisclosed form of cancer, to cancel the traditional Boxing Day shoot, which is described as a central part of the royal family’s holiday plans.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
  • Miley Cyrus premiered her Something Beautiful visual album for a packed audience at New York’s Beacon Theatre as part of the 2025 Tribeca Festival.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Another factor causing relatively restrictive monetary policy for now is that headline inflation is running at 2.4% to May 2025.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Another potential factor in Yamamoto’s struggles: He has recently been forced to pitch on less rest between starts.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • In the warmup area, there was a section set aside for storage.
    Calum Marsh, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
  • Defense position: On cross-examination, defense attorney Brian Steel highlighted a section of the non-disclosure agreement that included provisions for when Garcia could discuss the information with law enforcement.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • American pilsners are based upon German pilsners but can incorporate a wider variety of ingredients, including corn and can be described as falling between a Bohemian pilsner and German pilsner in terms of flavor.
    Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Published alongside ingredients lists for the likes of Green Banana Chowder and Baobab Panko Salmon?
    Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The segment was pure nostalgia, especially for those who are missing their 106 & Park days.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Was Ginestra surprised at how readily Halsey took to the ideas for a bondage segment?
    Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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