Definition of elementnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word element distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of element are component, constituent, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

How are the words component and constituent related as synonyms of element?

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

Where would constituent be a reasonable alternative to element?

The synonyms constituent and element are sometimes interchangeable, but constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

When is it sensible to use ingredient instead of element?

The words ingredient and element can be used in similar contexts, but 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 element If the storytelling were tighter and more successfully focused on its more sociologically provocative elements, Detective Hole could have settled into the overstuffed genre’s top tier rather than taking a place in the acceptable middle. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026 The former is a hot potato requiring careful handling, with toxic elements of the fanbase to handle, along with the challenge of actually producing a hit from JK Rowling’s books. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026 Forcing those elements apart, by siloing political comedy to an online platform or sanitizing those shows altogether, won’t just change network programming. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026 Personal element The symbolism of Gregory’s victory couldn’t be greater for both sides. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • Fish are an essential component of many of the region’s traditional plates.
    Félix Márquez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Other major economies treat patent policy as a core component of their industrial strategy.
    Laura Peter, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Atlanta-area native also went just 8-for-14 from the foul line in his latest homecoming after making 91% of his foul shots over his previous nine games.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In the 2025-26 Texas high school girls basketball season, several Fort Worth-area athletes had standout seasons.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Concern that Iran was amassing missiles to overwhelm defenses was a key factor in the push for war, officials said, and recent strikes laid bare Israel’s vulnerability.
    Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Weather apps have a tendency to alienate their user bases, perhaps because people’s physical experiences—their plans, their dress, their commutes—so directly depend on an accurate report.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On an annual basis, Cabarrus collects hundreds of millions — not billions — in property taxes.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Several fall in the healthcare realm.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In the realm of culinary experiences, Hero hosts hands-on cooking classes for families in a new venue yet to be revealed.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To create a hotel that is a celebration of Italy was one of Corinthia’s main goals, and it’s reflected in the names of the hotel’s different spaces, the Italian wines in the minibar, and the Lazio producers who supply the restaurant with its ingredients.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Happy Mammoth’s use of standardized ingredients and a multi-system approach aligns with what experts say to look for in this category, which helps explain why the formula feels more comprehensive than a single-ingredient supplement.
    Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Over the decades that followed, Wong redefined the visual grammar of American cinema through his mastery of wide-angle lenses, low-key lighting techniques and his development of the crab dolly.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Start with George Washington, who struggled with grammar and spelling.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mamdani didn't take kindly to the Nassau County executive's incursion into his domain, CBS News New York's Marcia Kramer reported.
    Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Technical fluency without domain fluency produces impressive demos and disappointing results.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/element. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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