constituent 1 of 2

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
She was quickly recalled by her constituents. George Skelton, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 Politicians, especially those who want to remain in office, have to perfect a balancing act of appealing to the fossil-fuels-must-go crowd as well as constituents battling rising energy costs. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
As Walter pointed out, tax filings show that Arabella’s constituent nonprofit organizations saw explosive fundraising growth during Ganguli’s tenure as CEO. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026 My work on Congress has also documented how leaders invoke their power to dictate constituent communication for members of their party and use campaign finance donations to bolster party loyalty. Sorelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • Parents demanded that a Brea Olinda Unified School Board member resign from his position after police arrested him on child pornography allegations last month.
    Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Your community grows as its members become more engaged and invested.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The company has stripped away the complexity, allowing anyone to snap spectacular images of galaxies and nebulae hundreds of light-years away without wrestling with multi-component setups requiring serious technical chops – all wrapped in Vaonis's trademark minimalist design.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The layout by Oakland design studio Open Daily is clean; even more complicated recipes, like Henry Hsu’s multi-component cornerstone rice cakes, are easy to follow.
    Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 9 Nov. 2020
Noun
  • Whether choosing cleaning products with trustworthy ingredients or buying a pair of shoes made of recycled materials, brand values are now part of the purchase decision.
    Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The spare ingredient list allows the bulb’s true flavor to shine through.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • By contrast, as a 2006 study from PNAS demonstrated, signature whistles serve the sole purpose of encoding identity information that other dolphins can recognize, even when stripped of individual voice characteristics.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The two-time individual national qualifier is a huge addition to the team's arsenal this season as Hooten helps her former teammates find success.
    Marielle Mohs, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Energy developers could produce flame-resistant enclosures or modular housing elements.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Rather than reacting emotionally to short‑term market noise or news cycles, focusing on controllable elements helps retirees stick to their long‑term plans and avoid costly mistakes driven by fear or impulse.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers estimated that about 75% of this higher risk was explained by other LE8 factors, rather than sleep timing alone.
    Dr. Joseph Wendt, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • They can easily be pushed, by these outside factors, into imbalance.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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