raw material

noun

Synonyms of raw materialnext
: crude or processed material that can be converted by manufacture, processing, or combination into a new and useful product
Wheat … is raw material for the flour mill …—C. A. Koepke
broadly : something with a potential for improvement, development, or elaboration
… perplexities are often the raw material of discoveries. —Agnes M. Clerke

Synonyms of raw material

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Examples of raw material in a Sentence

His experiences during the war were the raw material for the story.
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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.
Kim Gunnarsson, previously head of raw material supply, has meanwhile been named acting president of Södra Skog, with a mandate that includes developing advisory and digital services for the association’s members. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Mining for these raw materials, often in the Global South, has been linked toair and water pollution, deforestation, human health risks and climate pollution. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 As Taylor & Byrne work to invalidate Carla and Morgan’s prenuptial agreement, Carla’s role in her family becomes the raw material to be shaped into an argument. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 The bridge will help move heavy equipment, raw materials and energy products needed for North Korea’s development projects. — Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raw material

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of raw material was in 1612

Rhymes for raw material

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Browse Nearby Words

rawly
raw material
raw milk
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Cite this Entry

“Raw material.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raw%20material. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

raw material

noun
: something from which a useful or desirable product can be manufactured or produced
wheat and rye are the raw materials for a flour mill
collect raw material for writing a story

More from Merriam-Webster on raw material

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about raw material

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