MATERIAL Synonyms: 258 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

material 1 of 2

noun

Definition of material next

as in potential

the basic elements from which something can be developed she's clearly movie star material

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

material

2 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈtir-ē-əl

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bodily

of or relating to the human body material needs such as food and warmth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. —

Lucas Dufalla, arkansasonline.com, 28 Jan. 2025 But the state of the city in the wake of the pandemic has raised the question of whether a different kind of disinvestment—in people and their mental and material well-being—will cause the system to collapse before the next big rainfall would. —

Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025

Adjective

But doing so will not solve the underlying dilemma of how to balance increases in material consumption against the maintenance of environmental standards, equity in income distribution, and other hard-to-quantify social goals. —

Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025 What other credit puzzle pieces are missing in media accounts that could be material? —

Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for material

Recent Examples of Synonyms for material

Noun

Both methods have the potential for mild side effects like redness and swelling.

— Cristina Mutchler, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
But overall, the impact has the potential to be profound and long-lasting.

— Samantha Mann, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025