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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
However, these three agencies are critical components of California’s wildfire response capabilities, from forecasting and forest management to firefighting and disaster relief. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 Inventory issues are inevitable, so the quality of communication, the creativity of solutions, and the speed of recovery become critical components to the long-term customer experience. Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
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 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • Despite deploying advanced models, the organization lacked the foundational elements for scalable impact.
    Diganta Sengupta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Working as part of a collaboration often scrubs the more human elements from the story, those moments that might be unflattering are the moments that remind people that these mythic figures of our imagination are, in fact, flawed humans, just like you and me.
    Brendan O’Meara June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Reassembling the constituent parts of other movies into a new movie.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
  • In place of functional information, assembly theory relies on a number called the assembly index, which measures the minimum number of steps required to make an object from its constituent ingredients.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Among the factors – beyond the prospect of a hard cap – in sitting out Thursday night’s second round was the Heat already with a packed roster at the moment.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Your credit limit on a zero-interest card might range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on your credit score and other factors.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Not by everyone, but a few individual coaches and players.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Obviously, their substantial marketing budgets, which are usually much larger than those of individual hotels, ensure exceptional visibility for hotels on major search engines.
    Sanjay Ghare, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Once all of the ingredients come together, refrigerate your pitcher, stirring occasionally for several hours.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
  • Independent testing confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
    Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • All three platforms can cite one particular business for helping drive recent success: financial services.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • There’s no need to add the ingredients in a particular order; just throw them in the machine and process until smooth.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • In 1976, Misericordia expanded its operations to the former Angel Guardian Orphanage, on 22 acres in West Ridge, with Connelly, 39 children and 35 dedicated staff members moving there.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • An analysis by the Committee to Protect Journalists found that attacks against members of the media there are on the rise.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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