MEMBER Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

member

noun

ˈmem-bər

Definition of member next

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

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 The Spring Break Gala serves as the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser, supporting students, schools and AmeriCorps members across Los Angeles. —

Kennedy French, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026 Kaori’s father has links to members of the Money Over Everything gang in the Bushwick Houses, NYPD officials said. —

Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026 While there are no suspects in the case, investigators are reportedly looking at family members and the mother and daughter's circle of friends and acquaintances, per Corriere della Sera. —

Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 In that time, members' blood pressure readings have been dropping. —

Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for member

Recent Examples of Synonyms for member

Noun

Even if the Iran war wraps up in the next few days, and energy prices eventually come back down, the damage has already been done in terms of fertilizer supply chains and their components’ prices.

— E.J. Antoni, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Unlike the case of Messi in MLS, the NFL forbids teams from offering equity to players as a component of compensation.

— Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026

Definition of component

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melts down

member

members

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“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of member

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