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Definition of materialnext

material

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word material different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of material?

The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When might apposite be a better fit than material?

In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is apropos a more appropriate choice than material?

Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When could germane be used to replace material?

While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When can pertinent be used instead of material?

The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Where would relevant be a reasonable alternative to material?

The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 material
Noun
On TikTok, there’s even tutorials on how to wrap it into a halterneck tank top—the stretchy material allows for it. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026 Harden Dry Polish With Ice While some materials are easier to remove with heat, nail polish isn’t one of them. Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
But walk through the bedding aisle or take up Google search on the topic, and you’re inundated with material selections — percale, linen, silk, flannel — and thread counts, too. Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026 But for those who need more detail, Dutch philosopher and journalist Doortje Smithuijsen dives into the many, many ways in which capitalism perpetuates patriarchy and relies on the unpaid labor of women to contribute to its endless need for material growth. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
  • Some said their businesses aren’t relevant to the bubble concerns, while others expressed optimism about AI’s potential and said they are focused on building products that show it.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Sports Equipment While the dishwasher isn't ideal for cleaning baseball caps, uniforms, or equipment heavily-coated with mud, a trip through a dishwasher cycle is ideal to remove bacteria and odors from mouth guards and hard plastic shin guards.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The facility had dishes and equipment washed in an automatic dish machine without any sanitizer.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Perez does not break down training into physical and tactical work, instead designing complex exercises so players build fitness while practising real-game situations.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The new California law or Assembly Bill 1830 requires most tortillas and corn masa products sold to contain folic acid, a vitamin important to infant health, according to CalMatters.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado January 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Not only is the actual lighting itself important for completing tasks and creating ambiance, but the fixtures also double as decor.
    Brittney Morgan, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Most cops have hero dreams, protector fantasies that sustain them through days that are mostly mundane.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Big fantastical ones, but also ones that feel so normalized and mundane and get extrapolated to their most dystopian and absurd.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cold weather-appropriate picks in shearling and suede remain relevant no matter the season.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The data can be sorted by legislative districts, school districts and counties to make the findings more relevant to different audiences.
    Matthew W. Kreuter, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Prosecutors said the jury found Perez guilty of one count of assault on a child younger than 8 years old with force likely to produce great bodily injury resulting in death.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Drivers must have insurance on their vehicle for bodily injury and property damage, known as a liability policy.
    Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Police arrested Andy Alcantara-Beltre, 33, of Dorchester and charged him with unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition, trafficking a Class A substance (over 100 grams), and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (crack cocaine).
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • These substances are crucial in producing everything from electric vehicle batteries to cutting-edge military hardware — vital currency in the global tech battle with China and others.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on material

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