raw material

noun

Definition of raw materialnext
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed Canada now converts most of its raw materials into manufactured goods such as automobiles and auto parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 raw material The third is the raw materials required to build everything else. — Anthony Milewski, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 During the 19th century, factories and processing plants brought raw materials together in unprecedented quantities and consolidated their unwanted residues in the same sites. — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 That’s a lot less raw material to hide any sort of signal in. — ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026 To close deals, some US homebuilders are resorting to price cuts and mortgage rate buy downs to attract buyers, squeezing profit margins that are already compressed by high raw material, labor, and financing expenses. — CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raw material
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw material
  1. potential
  2. material
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, Altman, 41, is a true believer in the society-changing potential of AI.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Remember the thought that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel would unlock all the potential of Herbert?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • Sube Shoten, a tofu maker founded in 1877 during Japan’s Meiji era, reportedly ceased operations in May and began preparing to file for bankruptcy as low profit margins and a recent surge in raw-material costs clouded its business outlook.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
  • It should be made from natural, heavy and durable materials -- much like the wood used by Goh -- and, when affordable, from the finest timber.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of material

Browse Nearby Words

rawhiding
raw material
rawness
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Cite this Entry

“Raw material.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw%20material. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on raw material

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about raw material

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