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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
Jefferson noted that while housing inflation has come down, other components, particularly goods prices, have recently edged up, and short-term inflation expectations are on the rise. Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 14 May 2025 Trump sees cheap energy as a key component to lowering costs and stemming inflation for Americans. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 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
  • Artificial intelligence was a major factor in the actors strike of 2023 and the burgeoning technology will remain a key element in next year’s negotiations.
    Peter White, Deadline, 5 May 2025
  • Morality is not a useful element in foreign policy decision making.
    Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their vineyard, for example, is far more than the sum of its constituent parts precisely because each individual aspect is so obsessed over in order to maximize quality.
    Brian Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Sometimes Congress emphasizes a different approach to meeting national security priorities; sometimes its choices are driven more by constituent job concerns.
    Mara Karlin, Foreign Affairs, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to police, speed and driving under the influence were determined to not be factors in the collision.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • One factor in that attacking improvement may be that, counterintuitively, Chelsea have actually managed to average significantly more fast breaks (1.9, up from 1.3) and direct attacks (2.9, up from 2.6) in the matches where their possession percentage has ticked up into the 60s.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The horse facilities include two round pens, nine horse runs, eight paddocks, fenced pasture, a historic 2,700-square-foot main barn with an office, a 900-square-foot tack shed, hay storage, a tack room and 15 individual tack lockers.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2025
  • Modular Furniture Modular furniture consists of individual sections, or modules, that can be arranged and rearranged in various configurations based on your needs and individual setup.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • An ingredient native to her daily skincare ritual, Elba says hydrating your lips is one of the easiest steps for healthy skin.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2025
  • Jack in the Box, founded in 1951 in San Diego, uses maraschino cherries and has a Fanta strawberry beverage that contains red No. 40 — an ingredient on the chopping block next year.
    Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The particular intersection of communities depicted here (LGBTQ and Muslim), as well as a handful of Sapphic scenes for the ages, gives the drama an undeniable jolt of freshness.
    Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
  • What is the cost of committing yourself to that particular ideal in a way that puts your life in the balance, potentially?
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Parents might use those days to stay home with a sick child, while others might use a non-work day to help a family member in need or take a pet to the vet.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • His Department of Homeland Security acknowledged as much just days after his order by requesting 20,000 National Guard members to help with the immigration crackdown.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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