1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed
she's clearly movie star material
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in equipment
usually materials plural
items needed for the performance of a task or activity
I have all the materials to build the mobile
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter
there's no material evidence, such as a dead body, that a murder has been committed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect
there's no material difference between the two designs for the skyscraper: one's as bad as the other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in temporal
having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven
people who worry more about material concerns than about spiritual ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand
that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body
material needs such as food and warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
The Crocs platform sandals are made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material, which is known for providing optimal cushioning and shock absorption for daily wear.
—Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2025
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
Notably, despite Trump threatening a tough trade deal for Spain, the European country has not faced any material consequences.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Noun
House proportions, window placement and even the materials used all play into the traditional style of home building seen throughout Union Village, Obringer said.
—Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
The Crocs platform sandals are made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material, which is known for providing optimal cushioning and shock absorption for daily wear.
—Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Tariffs had no 'material impact' In its most recent earnings report, Kodak said its consolidated revenues were $263 million at the end of the quarter on June 30, a decrease of $4 million since the same period last year.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
Notably, despite Trump threatening a tough trade deal for Spain, the European country has not faced any material consequences.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for material
Noun
-
This dual-track model has the potential to not only strengthen the child-parent bond but also shorten the duration of therapy and improve long-term resilience.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The relatively elevated valuation of MU stock limits its upside potential in the near to mid-term.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
According to a May 2025 report from the German government, this aid includes equipment and weapons such as air defense systems, combat vehicles, artillery systems, armored transport vehicles, small arms, and ammunition, as well as other types of support, including medical supplies and clothing.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
-
The interns from Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee gained hands-on experience in data science, business intelligence and other areas of Komatsu’s mining equipment manufacturing operations.—
Rick Barrett,
jsonline.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The new species was identified by its scale pattern, skeleton, jaws, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The patient’s physical condition eventually normalized and his psychotic symptoms subsided during his three-week hospital stint.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
His background is in sports science, so body mechanics are important to him.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Fungi also play an important role in breaking down dead wood and leaves in forest ecosystems.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Drifting between moving-image formats and collaging local textures and bygone voices, Oscar Ruiz Navia’s film reflects on loss and mourning as experiences of temporal dislocation.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Without temporal intelligence, scale becomes noise.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Most relevant governmental agencies have avoided looking into the turbines’ impact in a meaningful way.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The new system, which users can access online, will automatically notify relevant parties once a complaint is filed.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The man, a Mexican national, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a federal officer, assaulting a federal officer resulting in bodily injury and destruction of government property, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The following items are prohibited: Any object that can be used to inflict bodily injury or disrupt the event, chemical dispensing devices, noise-making devices, two-way radios.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But a White House executive order last month seeks to bring back the old model, directing federal agencies to end funding for organizations that offer housing to people without first requiring treatment for substance abuse or serious mental illnesses.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Mike’s mental health struggles, and potentially his substance abuse, have contributed to a narrative that’s isolating him.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/material. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share