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
Dark matter is thought to be the invisible material that makes up most of the matter in galaxies. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, Pittman stated that personnel matters of public agencies, such as local school districts, do not rise to the level of federal judicial review. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
The finding could matter for quantum computers, where lasers are used to manipulate qubits and even tiny changes in their interactions can affect the accuracy of quantum operations. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 That may matter more now than ever, as many meaningful in-person social interactions are dwindling in the face of digital alternatives. — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 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
  • Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Journalists working on environmental topics in sub-Saharan Africa are coming under attack, a new report found.
    — Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • University of St Andrews primatologist Catherine Hobaiter and Dartmouth College anthropologist Nathaniel Jay Dominy think these two things – fire and human speech – may be fundamentally linked.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the slower pace of things pre-internet, all 250,000 tickets had gone within nine hours.
    — Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • But if the stay is lifted or overturned, USPS would require states to submit lists of mail ballot recipients and get approval for envelope and ballot designs with individualized barcodes.
    — Peter Weber, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • About 1,650 voters cast ballots in the special election Tuesday, including early voting and mail-in ballots.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Along with the brilliant Sangare, the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf at left-back addresses a problem area for them.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • Each incident causes a flare of light from the vicinity of the black hole, as would be expected from the brightening seen during a standard TDE.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Alter also immediately left his courtside seat during the altercation and crossed the court to confront Kanter Freedom, visibly instructing him to leave the vicinity and encouraging security to intervene.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • Sure, pedicures get more playtime over the summer, but that doesn’t mean your toes don’t deserve the same attention once temperatures drop.
    — Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Max leaves less than three hours before the new charter’s arrival, which means that Sandy is immediately on the phone with Norma from Yachting Staffing.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • As Kevin Warsh thinks more hawkishly than expected in Washington, the answers to many of his questions may be in Seoul.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Although not quite as polished on the racial politics front, Lanterns’s third episode is no less intriguing, as an hour of television dedicated not only to answering pressing questions but fleshing out its lead character in disturbing ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • The other issues to keep an eye on… Newcastle United are finalising a deal to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Prior to Esh, the brand image was an issue that needed more than band-aid marketing; instead, a fully fledged reset, complete with an update to the brand’s ramskull logo, is taking effect.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

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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 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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