component 1 of 2

Definition of componentnext

component

2 of 2

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

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
These phones use a security component called Trustonic's Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), which is designed to keep sensitive data, such as encryption keys, protected from the rest of the system. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 Agility exercises, strength training and balance challenges are all key components of a program designed to maximize ambulation. Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026
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
  • Options lean fruit-forward, herbal and slightly savory, with ingredients like citrus, fresh herbs and briny elements showing up across the list.
    Evan Moore April 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • While that event will be ticketed, organizers said all other activation elements within the district will remain free and open to the public.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to Hensley, the bill was prompted by a constituent request and evolved during the legislative process.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The pressure in their interior is so great that atoms are crushed and split apart into their constituent particles.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Occupancy rates are one factor in determining an office building’s worth and profitability.
    Desiree Mathurin April 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • As in the teams’ previous meetings, the Raptors’ length was a factor, with Toronto with 23 shots at the rim in the first half, compared to 11 for the Heat.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flipcause, based in California, was used by thousands of nonprofits nationwide to process online donations, allowing money to be collected on the platform before being transferred to individual organizations.
    Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • No back orders, unless specified by the individual vendor.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The spa The spa, which is currently undergoing a refresh, is fabulous, with tropical-zen indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and an emphasis on incorporating local ingredients like aloe, passion fruit, and coffee into different services.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Doctors note that most of the time over-the-counter products like dietary supplements, shampoos or skin care that are advertised for menopausal women aren't different from regular products for that purpose ingredient-wise.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Is this emotional state of particular interest to you?
    Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Both reflect a deep passion for a particular place—Johnson’s Middle Tennessee, Hiaasen’s South Florida—and a mixture of exasperation and grief at the destruction of the natural world to make room for megamansions and toxic waste dumps.
    Francine Prose, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The family's obituary states that they are survived by many loving friends and family members.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • For another hour after his speech, his sixth that day, Magyar smiled for photos with members of the throng.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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