Synonyms of element

element

noun

ˈe-lə-mənt 

1

as in component

one of the parts that make up a whole

a free press is an essential element of a democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• component
• factor
• ingredient
• member
• constituent
• basis
• characteristic
• aspect
• building block
• feature
• item
• trait
• facet
• section
• portion
• particular
• piece
• segment
• detail
• fragment
• sector
• part and parcel
• particle
• point
• division
• partition
• subcomponent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• whole
• compound
• mass
• total
• composite
• sum
• aggregate
• combination
• mixture
• entirety
• totality
• summation
• mix
• blend
• amalgam
• admixture
• amalgamation
• intermixture

2

as in principles

elements plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based

the elements of mathematics can be traced back to Euclid

Synonyms & Similar Words

• principles
• basis
• grammar
• foundation
• alphabet
• fundamentals
• philosophy
• basics
• essentials
• rudiments
• doctrine
• law
• ABC(s)
• keystone
• cornerstone
• bedrock
• underpinning
• tenet
• groundwork
• belief
• axiom
• precept
• rule
• dogma
• theorem
• canon
• nitty-gritty
• standard
• faith

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• details
• trivia

3

as in area

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

she felt a bit out of her element in the mathematics section of the exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

• area
• realm
• domain
• field
• department
• sphere
• walk
• terrain
• kingdom
• circle
• specialty
• front
• territory
• province
• discipline
• arena
• game
• business
• line
• precinct
• subject
• study
• bailiwick
• firmament
• barony
• fief
• scope
• demesne
• confine
• fiefdom
• frontier
• profession
• pursuit
• extent
• width
• occupation
• amplitude
• vocation
• breadth
• turf
• compass
• racket
• subfield
• ambit
• sweep
• reach
• dimension(s)
• subspecialty
• ken

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

Recent Examples of element

The player controls as Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, who is a courier risking his life via exposure to these deadly elements to deliver supplies to these fractured colonies. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 June 2025

Among his more recent accomplishments was introducing a rock band element to the music program about five years ago. —Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025

And only when some stars had exhausted their fusion fuel did their collapse and explosion in supernovas create heavier elements such as heavy metals. —Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025

This tribute includes meandering spaces for meditation and spa rituals that incorporate natural elements, such as volcanic clay. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025