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

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
As far as Wyandotte taxpayers are concerned, the stadium bond district has two different components — a sweeping district that will redirect state sales tax money, and a smaller district surrounding the stadium that would redirect local sales tax money. Sofi Zeman january 31, Kansas City Star, 1 Feb. 2026 Investigators did not see any evidence of pre-impact separation of any airplane component or structure. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 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
  • This constitutes the first clear proof-of-concept of organoids acting as adaptive computing elements.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The loss of track time in Barcelona, though, doesn’t leave Vowles concerned, particularly given the Mercedes engine element of the equation and the remaining six days of preseason testing that are to come in Bahrain later this month.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • All too often, aldermanic staffers are focused exclusively on constituent services, with scant expertise or resources made available to research and formulate policy proposals.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Rather than routing entire documents to a single model, documents will be decomposed into constituent parts such as titles, paragraphs, tables and images and be routed to the model or agent best suited to understand it.
    Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Many factors In May 2025, Sacramento County launched a task force to investigate current and cold MMIP cases.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • One key factor influencing the court’s decision was the rise of generative AI.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • By contrast, as a 2006 study from PNAS demonstrated, signature whistles serve the sole purpose of encoding identity information that other dolphins can recognize, even when stripped of individual voice characteristics.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The two-time individual national qualifier is a huge addition to the team's arsenal this season as Hooten helps her former teammates find success.
    Marielle Mohs, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Whether choosing cleaning products with trustworthy ingredients or buying a pair of shoes made of recycled materials, brand values are now part of the purchase decision.
    Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The spare ingredient list allows the bulb’s true flavor to shine through.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That ability, once reserved for living nervous systems, could reshape how robots interact with the physical world and with humans in particular.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Trump has clashed in particular Bad Bunny, one of the most popular musicians in the world, who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
    Seth Jacobson, The Providence Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On Tuesday, three members of the council, Leslie Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc Fils and Louis Gérald Gilles, announced the creation of a new three-member presidential college to lead the next phase of the transition.
    JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Alexseyev has had significant involvement in the war in Ukraine, serving as one of Russia’s negotiators in the secret talks with a member of the Ukrainian parliament to end Russia’s 2022 siege of the strategic city of Mariupol, Ukraine.
    Anna Chernova, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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