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 Those shows were followed by a Menendez docu on the Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters-run streamer, and advocacy for the brothers from the likes of Kim Kardashian and a number of the killers’ family members. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025 With this approach, organizations can create a wide bench of future leaders and ensure that critical expertise is passed down from senior leaders to junior team members. Ruchi Kulhari, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 This case is about the right to attend White House press events, like presidential Q&As in the Oval Office, when they are made open to other press pool members. Brian Stelter, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 The concept of a one-for-all, indivisible security across the North Atlantic has been remarkably successful in deterring attacks against NATO members. Ian Kelly, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Tesla’s sold in the U.S. are assembled at its factories in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas, but various components are sourced from China, Canada and Mexico, the latter providing 15% of parts in the Model Y.
    Bob Woods, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The largest components in the sector index are GE Aerospace (GE), RTX Corp. (RTX) and Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
    John Dorfman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Though the spinoff does not seem poised to match that level of popularity, it can be assumed that a significant portion of its audience will come from streaming viewers in the days after its NBC premiere.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    Vogue Club, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The episode featured all the elements of the new political order.
    Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Rows of small trees and bushes are wrapped snugly in covers to protect them from the elements.
    Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • However, that was just the visible part of a much larger problem, Bright said.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • In the first part 20th century, between 80,000 and 100,000 bungalows were built in Cook County.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In general, the wealth gap between Black and white savers has been widening due to an array of factors, including Black households having less exposure to the stock market, existing barriers to Black homeownership and the undervaluation of homes in communities of color.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Experts speaking to Newsweek have shared their fears that the rates of vaccination, among other factors, could make the recent measles outbreak more likely to grow.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While some Android phone brands have inconsistent carrier support in the US, Motorola phones often work on most if not all networks (the company lists carrier support details in the Specs section of all its phones).
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The section of hair is smaller than the original sale as the person who purchased it originally is likely selling a portion of their prize.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This snacking cake is made with less than 10 ingredients, all of which are baking essentials and likely to be in your pantry and fridge.
    Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Boost your skin’s defenses and amp up hydration with the latest buzzy ingredient.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In a nearly 10-minute segment about the symposium on state television, China’s most prominent entrepreneurs, mostly in tech and advanced manufacturing, stood respectfully and clapped vigorously as Mr. Xi walked in.
    Li Yuan, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • On the mayor’s Facebook page, video from a Jan. 8 evening wildfire news conference also excludes the Q and A segment.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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