component 1 of 2

Definition of componentnext

component

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word component distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of component are constituent, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," 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

In what contexts can constituent take the place of component?

While in some cases nearly identical to component, constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

When is element a more appropriate choice than component?

While the synonyms element and component are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is it sensible to use ingredient instead of component?

Although the words ingredient and component 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 component
Noun
There is a shift toward renewables in countries across South America, Africa, southeast Asia and the Middle East, in many cases helped by the flood of cheap solar panels, batteries and wind turbine components from China, which dominates the world in clean tech manufacturing. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025 Colina led the Gideon advance team, and had been a captain in the National Guard, the military component in Venezuela charged with domestic security. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The layout by Oakland design studio Open Daily is clean; even more complicated recipes, like Henry Hsu’s multi-component cornerstone rice cakes, are easy to follow. Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 9 Nov. 2020 By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics. Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • But the fourth-down element has been in the spotlight.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At the same time, aging-in-place design elements are becoming more mainstream — and more aesthetically integrated.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Archaeologists have been excavating the grounds of Hertford College, a constituent college of Oxford University, since 2024, as part of construction work for a new library.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The betting is that constituent pressure will be growing enormously over the next few days.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His reckless decision to escalate the aggression and number of immigration agents is a causal factor, regardless of the outcome of an investigation into this tragic death.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Researchers revealed that one of the key factors that enabled Despotopulos and his team to make these first-ever experimental measurements was access to the world’s highest-energy laser system, located at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility (NIF).
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Think spa-like spaces that cater to your individual rituals, preferences and self-care routines, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2026 Bath Trends report.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Weiser, who is running for governor in this year’s election, characterized the attacks as Trump trying to leverage the power of the executive branch to exercise unconstitutional authority over how individual states conduct elections and oversee their criminal justice systems.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Located along the bustling stretch of Platja de l’Arenal, the restaurant offers high-caliber dining that changes with the seasons and highlights local ingredients.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The multi-use primer is packed with skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that feel nourishing on the skin.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp wanted an appropriate goodbye with one Hawkins resident in particular as the sci-fi series concluded last month.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Your fourth tip centers on diet quality, in particular cutting out ultraprocessed foods.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The attendees—thirty- and forty-somethings who are members of the bank’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division, which boasts an average account size of over $75 million—gathered to hash out their anxiety and excitement.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • These protesters included members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, per The Associated Press.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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