Synonyms for

Material

Verb / mʌˈtɪri:ʌl / Another word for material — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Material refers to the matter or substance that things are made of or composed of. It can also refer to cloth or fabric used for making clothes or other items.

Synonyms & similar words

real insubstantial corporeal immaterial incorporeal cloth stuff textile fabric substantial substance stuff element cloth fabric textile thread yarn goods supplies equipment gear tools hardware ingredient component outfitting

Synonyms by register

Formal

substance matter stuff components

Informal

stuff things bits pieces

Literary

essence stuff of life fabric

Antonyms

immaterial insignificant unimportant trivial irrelevant nonessential

Common collocations

  • building material
  • raw material
  • material possessions
  • material world
  • material science
  • material goods
  • material evidence

Word family

noun material
adjective material

Usage note

As an adjective, 'material' often contrasts with 'spiritual' or 'immaterial'. As a noun, it refers to the substance from which something is made.

Example sentences

  1. The artist used different materials to create his sculpture.
  2. The dress is made from a soft and comfortable material.
  3. The builder chose strong and durable materials for the construction.
  4. The teacher provided the students with all the necessary materials for the project.
  5. The company needs to purchase more raw materials to produce their products.

Quotes

  • The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web. - Pablo Picasso
  • The material world is a continuous revelation of divine presence. - David A. Bednar
  • The best material model of a cat is another, or preferably the same, cat. - Norbert Wiener

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