ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt 

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent

ingredient adjective

Synonyms of ingredient

• component
• factor
• element
• member

Choose the Right Synonym for ingredient

element, component, constituent, ingredient 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

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

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of ingredient in a Sentence

He uses only the finest ingredients in his cooking.

the ingredients of a salad

the ingredients in the soap

Honesty is an essential ingredient of a successful marriage.

The show has all the ingredients needed to attract a large audience.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both products contain moisturizing ingredients like squalane and shea butter, plus vitamin E to smooth signs of aging. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026

Complex, which blends five ingredients including olive oil, olive squalane and ceramide NP to support skin moisture and barrier strength. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

The process has already turned up new ingredients, including new non-calorie sweeteners and non-sodium umami enhancers, which the company launched for commercial sampling this year. — Joe Mullich, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Customers can choose between salads, grain bowls or a mix of the two as the base of either one of Cava’s signature bowls or a customizable one, with ingredients like tzatziki, harissa honey chicken, Persian cucumbers and more. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ingredient

• disobedient
• inexpedient
• expedient
• obedient

Kids Definition

ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt 

: one of the substances that make up a mixture

ingredients of a salad

Medical Definition

ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt 

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture

formula which will have just about the same ingredients as mother's milk

—Morris Fishbein

ingredient adjective