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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
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
Adjective
But the trade war has made vital components more expensive, and changes to US law mean Tesla can no longer sell emissions credits to more polluting rivals. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Singh says the mercury telluride device’s development represents a step toward on-chip THz sources—a prerequisite for miniaturizing today’s bulky tabletop systems into components suitable for consumer or data-center use. Meghie Rodrigues, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • In reality, those layered elements are seamlessly built into one stylish piece.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The very elements that saved Michelle’s life—structure, safety, mentorship, and faith—are absent from California’s Housing First mandate.
    Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Archaeologists have been excavating the grounds of Hertford College, a constituent college of Oxford University, since 2024, as part of construction work for a new library.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The betting is that constituent pressure will be growing enormously over the next few days.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In effect, farmers in rural America have warned of an impending economic crisis from the compounding factors of losing their top export market, falling crop prices and high costs.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond the shock factor, Crow hopes her video inspires others with old jetted tubs to check theirs, and encourages empathy for people maintaining older homes.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The competition format, and thematic focus of each episode, meant that early shows were often organized around musical categories (ballads, duets, love songs) or occasionally around the catalog of individual artists (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears).
    Alan Light, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Strahan also included two individual shots with each of the girls in the photo carousel.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At the resort’s waterfront restaurant, Sally’s, holiday menus highlight coastal ingredients with festive accents.
    David Dickstein, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The ingredients list being as short as organic cacao, organic cane sugar and organic cacao butter, makes for the majority of the bars to be vegan-friendly and others keto-friendly with only being sweetened by monk fruit, a zero calorie sweetener.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In particular, Auburn's Hugh Freeze has quickly emerged as a coach who could very well be on the outs if the remainder of the 2025 season goes downhill.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Not since Mister Rogers has an actual adult human managed to break into that particular canon of cultural fixtures, becoming a household name and shaping the imaginations of millions while still speaking joyfully and directly to the youngest amongst us.
    Samantha Barry, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Institute views Louisville as an Urban Laboratory and the organization’s researchers partner with community members and policy makers with an eye toward building healthier cities.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Head over to Amazon to check out all of the Prime member deals for yourself, and keep scrolling for more exclusive savings on home essentials.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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