Synonyms for

Matter

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

Definition

Matter refers to physical substances that take up space and have mass, such as solids, liquids, and gases.

Synonyms & similar words

issue count thing weigh subject affair topic substance material stuff entity thing issue concern topic subject question problem difficulty trouble affair event occurrence incident happening circumstance condition

Synonyms by register

Formal

substance affair issue subject

Informal

thing stuff business deal

Literary

essence concern import

Antonyms

triviality insignificance unimportance nothingness trifle

Common collocations

  • what's the matter
  • as a matter of fact
  • it doesn't matter
  • a matter of time
  • a matter of opinion
  • in the matter of
  • a matter of principle

Word family

noun matter
verb matter

Usage note

As a noun, 'matter' often refers to a subject or situation of concern. As a verb, it means to be of importance.

Example sentences

  1. The matter in the beaker is a liquid.
  2. It doesn't matter if you wear a blue shirt or a red shirt.
  3. The matter at hand is the budget for next quarter.
  4. It's important to take care of the matter before it becomes a bigger problem.
  5. The matter of the missing pencil was quickly resolved.

Quotes

  • The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.
  • The only thing that ultimately matters is to eat an ice cream cone, play a slide trombone, plant a small tree, good God, now you're free.
  • What is important is to spread confusion, not eliminate it.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words