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
The central distinguishing feature of the Saudi model is its refusal to relinquish sensitive components of the nuclear fuel cycle—above all, uranium enrichment—to multinational ownership or control. Yoel Guzansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026 The arrangement also adds another link to the US nuclear supply chain, with graphite produced in Europe moving to the US for machining before being used in reactor components. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 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
  • These elements are produced alongside californium-252 and need to be separated during processing.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Scandium is considered a highly strategic rare earth element because of its unique properties.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its constituent parts including Sister Pictures have turned a profit in the past but this year is the first time the overall Sister Group hasn’t been in the red.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 July 2026
  • Metreweli attended Westminster School in London and then studied social anthropology at Pembroke College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge.
    Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • How much these psychosocial factors directly correlate with on-pitch success remains unclear, but this would not be the first time cultural links are made between football and national identity.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Ed Kaz Oak Park The excitement over the Dodgers getting Tarik Skubal should be tempered by a couple of factors.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Emmy-winning actor has come forward as the individual Rhea Seehorn alluded to, but did not name, in a June Instagram post that revealed someone spilled wine on her at the Gotham TV Awards.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than simply helping users generate individual slides, NextSlide turns fragmented information from documents, prompts, workplace context, and other sources into a polished, presentation-ready deck.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Preparing lunch together can also become a lesson in practical problem-solving, like figuring out which ingredients are better packed separately to avoid a soggy sandwich surprise.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Olay’s Micro-Sculpting Serum earned the Gellar stamp of approval thanks to its impressive ingredient lineup.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That protected those particular areas from ordinary floods, but the team claims, removed much of the river system’s overflow capacity.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In a project narrative letter, developers point out that different zoning districts are allowed within a particular comprehensive-plan designation, like the low-density residential area.
    Rose Evans August 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Low-income riders can enroll in LA Metro’s LIFE Program, where new members get 90 days of unlimited free rides, followed by 20 free rides each month.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Each of the 31 teams needed to be reoutfitted, along with every member of the athletic department staff, and the old stuff discarded.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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