matter 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-tər How to pronounce matter (audio)
Definition of matternext
1
as in topic
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) that is not relevant to the matter under discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thing
something to be dealt with we must take care of this matter before it becomes a real problem

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mail
communications or parcels sent or carried through the postal system first-class matter

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution I've been thinking about the matter all night, and I believe I have a solution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in vicinity
an approximate amount, extent, or degree a simple meal that can be prepared in a matter of 20 to 30 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

matter

2 of 2

verb

as in to mean
to be of importance she believes that doing well in school really does matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 matter
Noun
Related Stories Rice, however, was not destined to advise on matters of Uno and Matchbox cars. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is out after less than a week on the job, reported The New York Times citing people familiar with the matter. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
That matters because nearly nine in 10 K-12 students in America attend public schools. — Raymond C. Pierce, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Four months may not sound like a long time, but with cancer, early detection matters. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter
  1. topic
  2. thing
  3. mail
  4. problem
  5. vicinity
  6. mean
  7. question
  8. issue
Noun
  • The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Caporael, who had explored the topic through the lens of the scientific method, wasn’t claiming to know what had happened at Salem.
    — Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • The property is debuting as a member of Leading Hotels of the World, ushering in a new era of luxury for the area, and proving that, yes, chic and fabulous things can happen on either side of the Intracoastal.
    — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Flashing back to that traumatic experience, Rainbeau goes through every single thing Rosa needs to do before clocking off.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • While renting a charming Mediterranean Revival-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, the FBI tapped her phone lines and the CIA covertly intercepted and opened her mail.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This administration has waged a war against mail-in voting, demanded states’ voter rolls, threatened election workers and threatened to seize voting machines.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • The problem is two of the guys have started dating between last year and this year.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In an Austin school district where buses are equipped with cameras, Waymos were recorded illegally passing them more than twenty times in the past school year—a problem that persisted even after the company tried to fix it.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • For Wiseman, the experience of seeing our home planet from the vicinity of the moon carried a powerful message.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • There is nothing worse than opening your suitcase after a grueling travel day, only to find that one villainous beauty product has exploded and ruined everything in its vicinity.
    — ElleAnna Revell, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • This line of defense didn’t persuade Sweeney, who reasoned that adding athletes with expired eligibility would mean more, not less, market competition.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • There was a time when fall was hospitality’s quiet season—the quiet lull between summer beach trips and ski season escapades, the time when back to school and back to work meant people largely stayed home.
    — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape.
    — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Brian Romick, the president of Democratic Majority for Israel, put out an issue framework last month in an attempt to move the conversation from the language to the actual policy.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The topic has become a major issue in midterm races, showcasing just how concerned the public is about the Southwest's water future.
    — Hannah Knowles The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

Browse Nearby Words

matted
matter
mattered
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Cite this Entry

“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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