matter
noun
the substance or substances of which any physical object consists or is composed.
have mattered
-
present perfectof matter.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But where was that fury in the room, when it could have mattered?
From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2026
This was a visit where optics have mattered as much as outcomes, with one of the most closely watched moments coming as Air Force One touched down in Beijing.
From BBC ● May 14, 2026
Instead, they should look for companies that have the capacity to raise their payouts, says Trivariate Research founder Adam Parker, who notes that dividend increases have mattered more to stock performance of late.
From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026
But lately the details have mattered a great deal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 18, 2026
It felt like a stupid thing to say, like it shouldn’t have mattered what sport he played in his free time, but it had also begun to feel like a blatant omission on his end.
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
