constituent 1 of 2

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
Nearly every one of our 541 representatives has constituents who benefit from NEA grants. Pauline Chalamet, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 The co-chairs of the SALT Caucus who want to raise the cap to benefit their constituents in high-tax states — Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.) — joined the Ways and Means meeting to discuss the deduction cap. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 8 May 2025
Adjective
All four are constituent elements of the balance of power. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 The meeting was tamer than some constituent meetings held by Republicans, who hold majorities in the House and the Senate. Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • His Department of Homeland Security acknowledged as much just days after his order by requesting 20,000 National Guard members to help with the immigration crackdown.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Harvard’s online library notes that the document was bought $27.50 in 1946 and had previously been sold by a member of the Royal Air Force (RAF) to the London book dealers Sweet & Maxwell for £42.
    Tessa Solomon for ARTnews, Robb Report, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • And as Golosio and his team knew, an ANN designed around a multi-component working memory model could be a powerful tool for processing and creating human-like communication.
    Ben Thomas, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2015
  • Perceptual convergence of multi-component mixtures in olfaction implies an olfactory white.
    Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2012
Noun
  • Nearly every dish at Uma Roma, an innovative new restaurant, is dedicated to a single ingredient.
    Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • An ingredient native to her daily skincare ritual, Elba says hydrating your lips is one of the easiest steps for healthy skin.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The move will likely escalate political tensions between the Trump administration and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Democrats in Congress denounced the federal government overruling an individual state's decision, along with Republicans rule-skirting legislative approach.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Each bag was packed with individual envelopes containing $500 in cash, the outlet reports.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, a personal tragedy shakes Colin into consciousness, the only element that manages to pierce Ray’s exterior long enough to let his sub in.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 May 2025
  • The common element is that a single federal judge in one of 94 regional districts paused a policy for the entire country while the case is being litigated.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Hudson said Wednesday in his letter to Gilmore and Eaves that the decline compared with fiscal 2024 is expected largely due to a combination of two factors.
    Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
  • Leatherman cited pollution in the nearby Tijuana River as the main factor.
    Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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