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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
There is a shift toward renewables in countries across South America, Africa, southeast Asia and the Middle East, in many cases helped by the flood of cheap solar panels, batteries and wind turbine components from China, which dominates the world in clean tech manufacturing. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025 Colina led the Gideon advance team, and had been a captain in the National Guard, the military component in Venezuela charged with domestic security. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
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 neutral tones and organic elements of the hotel’s 349 rooms and suites soothe the spirit and mirror the otherworldly atmosphere of the Riviera Maya.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Depending on which elements are involved, airglow can appear in subtle shades of green, red or orange.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 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
  • Nonpartisan experts who have studied the subject believe the increasing cost of upgrading the grid, with new transmission lines or other facilities, is the single factor most responsible for rate increases.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Numerous factors hurt Detroit over many years, including a shrinking tax base, high unemployment and poverty, and rising health care and pension costs for city employees.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The $155,000 figure was within a range covered by insurance, and FBI investigators found that no individual donor funds were diverted before they were deposited into the Bright Futures Fund, Johnston wrote.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Another initiative underway is using AI to support the individual growth of our employees.
    Kelly Jones, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Schulman said the company will continue to rely on its better-for-you branding of fresh ingredients and more premium proteins that some diners may have to pay a couple extra dollars for.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Made with plush ingredients like fleece, flannel, or cotton, electric blankets are just like regular throws but with wires woven into the fabric that generate heat.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The streaming market is slowing but still growing, with particular attention on Asia, Africa, and South America.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Sandor was a voracious reader who regularly went to the theater and the movies (Montgomery Clift was a particular favorite), and that inspired her to create stories and fantasy worlds.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The attendees—thirty- and forty-somethings who are members of the bank’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division, which boasts an average account size of over $75 million—gathered to hash out their anxiety and excitement.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • These protesters included members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, per The Associated Press.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

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