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
This galaxy cluster is known for its unique dark-matter structure, which formed in a collision between two separate galaxy clusters. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 July 2026 This is why designer Joy Allen says material choices matter as much as the design choices. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 4 July 2026
Verb
For 90 minutes, supporters waved flags, drummed, danced, and sang, but by the end of the evening the soccer scoreline mattered far less than what unfolded in the crowd. — Latif Love july 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 That difference matters, because the founders were not simply describing personal independence. — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 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
  • While the slate of laws was passed, several lawmakers have signaled that more bills will be introduced on the topic in the next session, which starts in January 2027.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Type a topic into the input field, and the platform spins up a structured presentation with smart layouts, professional copy, and visuals across every slide.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Eliminating that gap is one of the hardest things an organization can do.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Post offices will, however, be open on Friday, July 3 and mail delivery will occur as normal.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • States can still count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, a blow to Republicans who had pushed for stricter regulations.
    — Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of mail
Noun
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
    — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • That could prove valuable, especially if Washington doesn’t have an actual aircraft carrier in the vicinity, as was the case at the start of this year due to the intervention in Venezuela.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Local councillor Carsten Brokelmann said that the city operates a daycare facility and a primary school in the immediate vicinity of where the shooting happened.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Definition of vicinity
Verb
  • So Balogun had drawn a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, meaning he would be suspended for the following game — Monday’s match.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • There, the hotel’s overarching theme of kisetsukan, meaning seasonal awareness, is felt most evidently at Iñaki.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The questions Mozeliak asks and answers now are the same ones Kasten did with the Dodgers.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • The motion is unlikely to pass, but indicates how deeply politicized the issue has become.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The issue has caught the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill, where a flurry of proposals have been introduced since the start of the year.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of issue

Phrases Containing matter

Browse Nearby Words

matted
matter
mattered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on matter

Nglish: Translation of matter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matter

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All