Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

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 constituent
Noun
Lander then really made headlines when he was arrested by ICE agents while escorting (and trying to protect) a constituent in immigration court. Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 In 2026, an aggressive stump speech goes viral As a senator, Ossoff has built relationships and a constituent services operation that span Georgia. Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
Adjective
This was still a season when every constituent part of the club — ownership, board, managers, players, fans — at times felt at odds with the other. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 25 May 2026 That means publicly reporting things like constituent response times, the number of community meetings and listening sessions held, and attendance across different parts of the district. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • There is arguably no greater example of the players’ power than in 2020 when members of the Atlanta Dream wore T-shirts endorsing then-Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock who at the time was running against Loeffler.
    Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • On July 14, council member Meredith Stead pointed to two neighborhood associations in her district — one in favor of the designation, the other strongly opposed.
    Mark Dee July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then fold in the vegetable oil with a silicone spatula until fully incorporated.
    Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
  • Just as the chef relies on ingredients harvested at their peak from the restaurant's culinary garden and local farms, the wine program evolves throughout the year to complement those changing flavors.
    Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The state collects roughly $9 billion in individual income taxes each year — about two-thirds of general revenue.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Most might agree, for example, that the American Dream includes achieving financial stability or being happy, but what that looks like is more individual.
    Jennifer Liu Valentina Duarte, CNBC, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Magnesium, on the other hand, shows much more potential, with the same quantity of water containing 2,980 kg (6,570 lb) of the element, roughly the weight of a 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty Cargo Truck … so, a lot.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • There’s the Targaryen element, but there’s the Hightower in him as well.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • While commenter gave a thoroughly detailed response, prominent Sedalia historian Becky Imhauser spoke about the city’s history with the fair, and what factors went into it being housed in Sedalia.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • An abnormally wet winter in Europe — with long-lasting rain and frequent storms in January and February — is likely a factor in the wildfires.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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