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 security company the cemetery uses alerted board members at approximately 2 a.m., Paddock said. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025 Bell took 10 minutes to read through other family members’ letters before calling Huggins and Robinson’s attorney, Adam Hauser, into a conference room. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 City council members voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 8 to rezone 16.7 acres of commercial land for high-density multifamily use, waving it through without discussion. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025 Amazon Prime members can access exclusive deals during the week. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Patterson: Yes, while 'Pause + Renew' targets perimenopause and menopause symptoms, its individual components offer significant benefits for all women.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As things stand, no one country is capable of producing all of the rare-earth elements that go into a single device, and components such as screen glass and processors are also sourced from all over the world.
    Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Mary, Chrissy, Kamilla, Kyle, David, Star, and Sai (who got the advantage fast pass to the individual portion of the contest) then advanced to round two.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After the Entrada, there are traces of Teotihuacan’s presence all over Tikal, from royal burials in a necropolis to distinctly Mexican architecture mixed with Maya elements in a complex of residential and ceremonial buildings near the heart of the city.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, there are elements of youth and inexperience that can only be felt in my shows in the past, perhaps my fans can find entertainment in my growth as well.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While other parts of his game require refinement, ball instincts should be a strength.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Tigers released a statement via the as part of the report.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • If lifestyle factors don’t seem to be the culprits—such as caring for a new baby or training for a marathon—she’ll typically do a blood workup to try to figure out what’s going on.
    Ali Pantony, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2025
  • For investors who can’t resist the allure of a beat-the-market scheme, our table offers, reluctantly, factor funds in a few different flavors.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The new 532 bus route was recently implemented bringing bus service to a small section of Route 10 from Plainville to the Stop and Shop.
    George Pohorilak, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Political appointees are not typically involved in public integrity section matters to avoid the appearance of political interference.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Key Ingredients for Watergate Cake Watergate cake calls for a few pantry staples and some surprising other ingredients for its flavor and fluffy texture: White cake mix: Use your favorite brand.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Still, drugstore conditioners stand out because of their affordable prices, which usually result from more straightforward, less expensive ingredients compared to pricier bottles.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Other performers this season include Noah Kahan, Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Chris Stapleton, Renee Rapp, Jonathan Van Ness and Billie Jean King joining for songs and other segments.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following the segment and the subsequent editing of digital replays, Tiffany Stratton addressed the controversial exchange while appearing on the Babyfaces podcast.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on member

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!