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 Countless studies have shown that outcomes for citizens improve when members of the media ask probing questions of politicians. Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025 There's a new cake at Costco this summer – and members are raving about it. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 In the end, three long-serving GOP members, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted against, forcing Vice President JD Vance to break a 50-50 tie. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 1 July 2025 Letting go of trusted and long-serving staff members—from security personnel to dining services—deeply affected the campus community, eroding trust and undermining morale and long-term retention for several years to come. Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for member
Recent Examples of Synonyms for member
Noun
  • Given to the forward who demonstrates throughout the season the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • In Beijing’s view, it’s gone above and beyond international norms to stem the outflow of the drug and its component chemicals from its vast pharmaceuticals sector.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • She was alleged to have poisoned the meals of her guests while serving herself an untainted portion.
    Britt Clennett, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • The Council of Economic Advisers, an agency within the presidential executive office, estimates that changes in the legislation will help push the portion of seniors with exemptions and deductions exceeding Social Security income to 88%, from 64% under current law.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Lamont knows the futility of trying to please everyone, which may be one element of his success.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • Visibly so, too — the building’s exterior is surrounded by scaffolding as work is underway to outfit the front porch with new columns and restored decorative elements.
    Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • There’s a part of him that wants to morph into a 2.0 version of the 10-year veteran who’s played for two teams in his career.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Of course compensation matters to teachers, but other factors matter too, and reforms can be embraced that don’t require more from taxpayers.
    Carrie Lukas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • At the heart of this innovative post-cleanse toner/essence are herbal staples ginseng, Solomon's seal, and Japanese lily, which soothe, brighten, and protect skin against environmental factors that can lead to signs of aging.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Best Amazon Prime Day Comfortable Shoe Deals Amazon’s sale shoe section is chock-full of top brands.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
  • Fortunately, Free People’s sale section is bursting at the seams right now — featuring longline shorts made for pairing with cowboy boots, oversized crewnecks you’ll be tempted to throw on over your bikini once the sun goes down, and similar seasonal essentials.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Under no circumstances are artificially synthesized ingredients like additives and sweeteners acceptable for your dog’s diet.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Here, a California-French fusion menu utilizes local farm-to-table ingredients, and the seafood and breakfast dishes felt like the standouts to us.
    Rafael Peña, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Simultaneously, Russia's larger army is renewing its offensive along segments of the 620-mile front line, putting additional pressure on Ukrainian defenders.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • The show is described as having a short-form format, combining breaking news, entertainment segments and viral videos.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Member.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/member. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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