component 1 of 2

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
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
Adjective
Nvidia’s prescient acquisition of Mellanox has been a critical component of its success over the last few years, enabling scalable AI and HPC performance. Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 In that time, only seven of 48 producer price sub-categories rose, versus about half of the 37 consumer price components. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • Plaintiff Phone Discovery: Critical Strategic Elements Successful phone discovery requires understanding several strategic elements that can significantly improve outcomes: The Education Component: Many resistance issues stem from genuine misunderstanding about what cell phone forensics involves.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Dress-up, of course, is a traditional element of ocean voyaging.
    Guy Trebay, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • By investing strategically in technology, nonprofits and higher education institutions can strengthen operations, deepen constituent relationships and future-proof their missions.
    Tal Frankfurt, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • New group, new governor, new momentum What the marijuana lobbying effort has missed in Indiana, Swanson said, is a concerted campaign to organize at the constituent level: Making sure that lawmakers are getting emails from hundreds of people who actually live in their districts.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Wilt caused by environmental factors is the easiest to manage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
  • Of course compensation matters to teachers, but other factors matter too, and reforms can be embraced that don’t require more from taxpayers.
    Carrie Lukas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Romero was also ordered to pay more than $94,000 in restitution to a crime victim compensation fund and two individual victims.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
  • Britt Lower, Adam Scott and Tramell Tillman were also nominated for their individual performances.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • For his new concept revitalizing the former Nash & Proper space, Jimenez is taking inspiration from popular fast food chains such as In-N-Out and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, which have compact menus with high-quality ingredients.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • Here, a California-French fusion menu utilizes local farm-to-table ingredients, and the seafood and breakfast dishes felt like the standouts to us.
    Rafael Peña, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • In particular, compliance, vendor due diligence, treasury operations, and HR policy development are emerging as high-impact use cases.
    Ron Shevlin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • That’s not the fault of Boll & Branch, that is just how this particular cotton weave works.
    Jessica Hartshorn, Flow Space, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The film features returning cast members like Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Hamm, who like Ellis Maples is a member of the Carolina Golf Hall of Fame, opened the first course in 1968, a layout that hosted the ACC men’s golf championship in 1970, 1973, and 1975.
    Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on component

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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