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

Examples of member in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By Roku Watch on Deadline McIntyre, who has been a member of one of the biggest boy bands of all time, New Kids on the Block, since the mid-80s, has a special gift for viewers. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024 For the unfamiliar, Longwood is the 1,100-acre compound built in 1906 by Pierre S. du Pont, a member of the fabulously wealthy du Pont family of Delaware. William O'Connor, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2024 As a senior member of the powerful House Intelligence Committee, Stefanik has worried that the Biden administration’s FBI is downplaying Iran’s move to hack former President Donald Trump due to political bias. Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Oct. 2024 Espinoza’s widow and other members of his family also condemned the decision. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for member 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'member.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near member

Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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