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
While some laptops just have better batteries and other components than others, there are also other ways to improve your battery life. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Open-weight models also come with publicly accessible core components for easy customization, unlike closed models that companies keep fully under their control. Reuters, USA Today, 10 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
  • Trump frequently changes course on a dime and as all the elements for the Ulchi Freedom drills are in place, scaling them back may not amount to much on the ground.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Garfield, whose credits include playing Spider-Man, says he is drawn to roles with an element of play, community and the natural world.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its cells would then engulf the food particle and break it down into its constituent molecules.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The second is another factor limited by the iPhone… the MacBook Neo 2 is expected to bump memory up to 12 GB.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Such filings typically chronicle the impact of a defendant's crimes, as well as his history, upbringing and other aggravating or mitigating factors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of thousands of individual sellers have lost their merchandise, sending shock waves across Russia’s economy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • With only one individual win, the Pan Pacs was off her standard.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Roman concrete Roman builders created concrete using ingredients that included lime and volcanic ash.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The 4-cup mini chopper can chop or grind ingredients in seconds, making quick work of onions, garlic, herbs, and more.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • My dermatologist recently told me that neck skin is much different from facial skin, which is why there are so many products dedicated to this particular area.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The reissue includes more than half a dozen additional smashes from the Grammy-winning act, and fans of the group and those tunes in particular have turned the collection into not only a bestseller, but a top 10 success for the very first time.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The work begins each weekday morning, when members of the 10-person research team head out to collect samples from their daily list of traps.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lawmakers and family members have raised concerns about supply shortages, inadequate food, broken plumbing and mental health issues — and earlier this month, a sailor went overboard and was recovered, the Navy told CBS News.
    Frank Andrews, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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