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
Abolition has been a component of the contemporary movement for Black lives, a strategy to dismantle oppression and a vision for a world without police, prisons, borders, a carceral state, and debt. Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 Plus, as any good sleep product should be, all fabric components of the AirSlyng are removable and machine washable, allowing my fellow droolers to truly submit to deep sleep. Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 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
  • The introduction of liquid glass has led to larger, more graphical elements that have taken over in terms of clarity and ease of use.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • To explain its results, RealorRender identifies the suspicious regions of images as heatmaps (grids of colored squares indicating intensity, as with topographical maps) and segments of contiguous image elements.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 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
  • Sleep, diet and other factors can cause regular fluctuations for men.
    Kathleen Felton, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One possible factor for the influx is a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that eased deportation rules for migrants entering Ceuta or Melilla.
    Miguel Macias, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Too often, America’s AI conversation is framed around the competitive interests of individual companies rather than the nation’s long-term strategic interests.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In January, dozens of individual Farmers Union shareholders turned up at the annual meeting to protest the agreement.
    Noah Daly August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Servers are quick to help navigate the offbeat descriptions and ingredients.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • They are required to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, route of administration, and quality standards.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One relationship De Zerbi is paying particular attention to is Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who joined Spurs for record fees this summer.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This story is first and foremost written out of love—love for this place and these people and this particular cultural moment, all of which are now long gone.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That’s the understatement of the day from a Neighborhood Planning Unit member talking about the Formula 1 racing event that will be held on the streets of Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood this Saturday.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
  • There are normally no checks at borders between members of the EU’s internal Schengen Area, though they can be introduced for a limited time in exceptional circumstances.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on component

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster