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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 broadband program was a key component of the $1-trillion infrastructure law enacted under the Biden administration. Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 Trump's tariffs on automotive imports and car components have caused turmoil in the global auto industry, with some companies altering production plans to ease costs related to the duties, while others wait to see if the policies change. Marie Mannes, USA Today, 24 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
  • Staking peonies with peony cages offers the plant support and keeps it upright even through the elements.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025
  • Welcome to Sliders, a weekly in-season MLB column that focuses on both the timely and timeless elements of baseball.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 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
  • With episodes that last barely a minute, this form of mini-entertainment owes its newfound popularity to various factors, including our ever-shrinking attention spans.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The starting dose of lorazepam depends on several factors, such as the condition treated, your age, and your overall health.2 For oral forms (taken by mouth), the typical dosage ranges between 2 and 6 milligrams (mg) daily, often divided into separate doses.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • The hybrid arrangement meant that ratings for each individual game fluctuated widely within the series.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 June 2025
  • This is what gives each individual contributor the drive to go above and beyond.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Preventives containing ingredients such as chlorantraniliprole are more bee-friendly than other products that are neonicotinoids, such as imidicloprid, says Potter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
  • The lunar elixir, from the Ugly Delicious section of Fura’s Journal of Future Foods menu highlighting retail-imperfect ingredients, was a sensory bait and switch.
    Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Errors and misjudgments should be identified and corrected, however, not by government officials who demand a particular narrative of our nation’s past but by scholars and teachers adhering to the profession’s demanding standards.
    James T. Kloppenberg, Time, 28 May 2025
  • Upon arrival, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and bask in the beauty of the many palm trees, while tiny fish and crustaceans can be found thriving within its natural rock pools—but there’s one animal in particular that draws visitors to Punaluʻu Beach in droves.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Advertisement Here are the 24 cast members of Season 50 and what to know, or remember, about each of them as the long wait until next year marches on.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
  • According to family members, the twins had no ties to Hiawassee, had never mentioned Bell Mountain, and certainly weren’t hikers.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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