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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
The bill would also tax companies that buy panels or components from some foreign countries including China. Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025 The various components are all made by hand, layered, chilled, molded, chilled again, dipped and sprayed. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • Lamont knows the futility of trying to please everyone, which may be one element of his success.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • Even Portugal, who have been naive defensively but have considerable pace in attack, could threaten in transition, and Italy will need to shore up that element of their game to avoid being caught out.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • This makes sense: There’s an alchemy to combining words and pictures, much like how a great song can blend lyrics and music into something better than its constituent parts.
    Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
  • Reassembling the constituent parts of other movies into a new movie.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Anime’s influence among athletes, particularly Black and African audiences, was a motivating factor in the collaboration, according to the partners.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Three key factors make this particularly hard and point to where solutions might emerge.
    Jeff Mahler, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Not by everyone, but a few individual coaches and players.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Each instrument had its own channel, and even individual strings on Phil Lesh’s bass were isolated to reduce sonic mud.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • First, the Pigment Processor Daily Brightening Serum ($115) targets dark spots and uneven skin tone with ingredients like kojic acid, known for its fast-acting brightening properties, but noticeable does make skin more sensitive to the sun.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Nicotine is the key ingredient, either extracted from tobacco leaf or made synthetically.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • But my contract got particular traction, maybe because of the circumstances.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • Part of why Jackie in particular is not won over by Roya is a feminist critique.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • While a solution was put in place, Gastonia’s mayor, a city council member and local advocates say that having the cooling station outdoors is less than acceptable.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Barnhart appeared just once in the postseason, in 2020, as a member of the Reds.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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