ingredient

noun

in·gre·di·ent | \ in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt

Definition of ingredient

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

Other Words from ingredient Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about ingredient

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Synonyms & Antonyms for ingredient

Synonyms

building block, component, constituent, element, factor, member

Antonyms

whole

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

Iron ore is the key ingredient in steel that goes into building materials, ships and automobiles. — David Hodari, WSJ, "Iron-Ore Prices Jump to Highest Level Since 2014 on Vale Concerns," 7 Feb. 2019 For all the salicylic acid out there, there are certain ingredients to steer clear of. — Leah Prinzivalli, Glamour, "How to Get Rid of a Pimple Fast: 12 Dos & Don'ts of Fighting Acne," 17 Jan. 2019 Paint is a necessary ingredient that makes a house your home. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The 4 Biggest Painting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)," 16 Jan. 2019 The ingredients are different, but there could be potentially risky chemicals unique to the liquid nicotine recipe in electronic cigarettes that public health researchers don’t know to look for. — Rachel Becker, The Verge, "Is vaping better than smoking? Scientists studied pee to find out," 14 Dec. 2018 Those three, plus Alyssa Milano’s tweet, are basically all the ingredients for a successful presidential campaign. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "The Beto O’Rourke 2020 buzz, explained," 20 Nov. 2018 The fast-food chain is trying to draw in diners by revamping stores, using fresh ingredients and pushing sustainability initiatives such as one that requires beef suppliers to reduce their use of antibiotics over the next few years. — Micah Maidenberg, WSJ, "McDonald’s Pushes Up Prices in the U.S., But Overall Sales Drop," 30 Jan. 2019 Mix in ingredients like peanut butter and seeds for a flavor boost. — Joy Bauer, Ms, Woman's Day, "Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer's Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget," 23 Jan. 2019 Victoria Bee/Getty Images CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid of marijuana, has become a popular ingredient lately. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "Hemp is now legal. That’s huge for the CBD industry.," 20 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ingredient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

19 Feb 2019

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Time Traveler for ingredient

The first known use of ingredient was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for ingredient

ingredient

noun

English Language Learners Definition of ingredient

: one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc.

: a quality or characteristic that makes something possible

See the full definition for ingredient in the English Language Learners Dictionary

ingredient

noun

in·gre·di·ent | \ in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt

Kids Definition of ingredient

: one of the substances that make up a mixture

ingredient

noun

in·gre·di·ent | \ in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt

Medical Definition of ingredient

: 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