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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
Perceptual convergence of multi-component mixtures in olfaction implies an olfactory white. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2012 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
Adjective
Eckhardt’s commentaries on God and scripture are dense and recursive, breaking ideas into component parts, placing them onto higher and lower planes, making hierarchies and triads out of them until eventually becoming something like an investigation into being and nothingness themselves. Jon Raymond august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 Trump’s duties on cars and components will pose a challenge that dominated earnings call discussions across the industry the last few weeks. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • Creating Demi was not as simple as halving each element.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • On the other hand, cooking methods like baking, boiling, and mashing don’t usually add these elements.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There will also be constituent service booths and veteran organizations attending that offer services like technical education, employment training and services for those who are homeless.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2025
  • That electricity is used to power a pair of proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) electrolyzers that split the surrounding seawater into its constituent components of oxygen and hydrogen.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • All these factors combined pointed to one likely explanation.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Even though Singapore's inflation has recently cooled to a four-year low, the country still has one of the highest costs of living, according to multiple surveys, due to structural factors like expensive housing and import costs.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump amps up his attacks on CEOs and other executives Trump has long used social media and his other public statements to cajole, criticize and praise companies and individual CEOs.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Either pinch individual leaves from the plant or use clean pruning shears to cut 6-inch stems about 1 or 2 inches from the base of the plant.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, scientific research has pointed to psilocybin—the active ingredient found in certain types of mushrooms—as a promising treatment for this type of depression, along with other psychiatric conditions.
    Sarah Sinclair, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, may offer several skin health benefits.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Many items are selling fast in particular colors, and some are retiring once they’re sold out.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Butters in particular kills it, going from surfer chick to worrying mom clutching a glass of crisp white wine, frantically trying to save her engagement while stuck inside the body of a teenager.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Johnson became the first member of his family to attend college, and stayed at LSU for law school.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The remains of another adult woman were also identified, but her name is being withheld at the request of family members.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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