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 vote to bolster safety and oversight of battery facilities is scheduled to go before the five members of the utilities commission, known as the CPUC, on March 13. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 This news organization requested to speak with Quinn on Monday, but, per a team spokesperson, the Penguins do not let their assistant coaches talk on the record with media members. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 At least two agencies assisting US immigration officials with the raids have told personnel to ensure their clothing clearly depicts their respective agency in case they are filmed by members of the media. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025 Representatives for Colorado’s Republican members of Congress — Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd — did not immediately return requests for comment. Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for member 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial component of the global energy transition, offering a versatile and clean fuel option that could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Robotic systems, for example, help scientists quickly analyze blood, separating plasma, blood cells and other components.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Architectural Digest may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    Fanny Guénon des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Alonso will also owe the state of New York $2.73 million on the non-signing bonus portion of the deal ($50 million), meaning a combined income tax of $28.63 million ($25.9 million + $2.73 million).
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Like your animal, each element also represents specific characteristics of a person.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
  • An important element and thread throughout the creative process was to view the story from the female gaze, Ovesen explained.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As part of Berea’s thriving small business scene, The Taleless Dog Booksellers champions the importance of shopping local.
    American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The City Council made the appointment as part of its consent calendar, in which multiple items are approved with a single vote.
    Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Most immigrants without legal status in the state, about 2.4 million people, have resided here for more than a decade, a factor that distinguishes California from other parts of the country.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • There is a real wild card factor this year with the L.A. wildfires having caused the Academy to extend the voting deadline twice, giving voters five full extra days.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Giveaway Entities’ right to amend these Official Rules, in whole or in part, does not apply to this Arbitration section.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The itinerary here is always evolving, so head to their experiences section to see what’s currently on offer.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate or approve dietary supplement ingredients, labeling, quality, or safety.
    Alex Yampolsky, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
  • To make the drink, add all ingredients into a shaker, mixing with a bar spoon or regular spoon.
    Ingu Chen, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the segment The Story Behind the Image, each artist will present their work on stage, sharing personal narratives and insights into their creative processes as their images are projected on a large screen.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The commercial segment experienced a decline in revenue, primarily due to the vacancy of a major tenant at the Westwood Plaza Shopping Center.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near member

Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on member

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