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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
However, these three agencies are critical components of California’s wildfire response capabilities, from forecasting and forest management to firefighting and disaster relief. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 Inventory issues are inevitable, so the quality of communication, the creativity of solutions, and the speed of recovery become critical components to the long-term customer experience. Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 18 June 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
  • By assessing population data, demographics and neighborhoods can be identified as lacking certain elements.
    FNU Anupama, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The new customization center will incorporate renewable energy with built in energy-efficient design elements in lighting, water consumption and overall layout.
    Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Reassembling the constituent parts of other movies into a new movie.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
  • In place of functional information, assembly theory relies on a number called the assembly index, which measures the minimum number of steps required to make an object from its constituent ingredients.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Another factor causing relatively restrictive monetary policy for now is that headline inflation is running at 2.4% to May 2025.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • During a visit to the Tribune Editorial Board earlier this month, O’Neill Burke said one factor motivating the legislation was that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were major delays for people applying for FOID cards through the state police.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Many experts advocate for training models in a multimodal manner rather than focusing on individual media types.
    Arun Shastri, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • This creates a more open, comfortable layout on road and trail, seating two passengers behind the driver's cockpit in individual seats mounted side by side.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Independent testing confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
    Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 20 June 2025
  • Among the most striking findings was the presence of water — one of the key ingredients for Earth-like planets — even in such a hostile environment.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • All three platforms can cite one particular business for helping drive recent success: financial services.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • Lifestyle gets political Lifestyle creators in particular have seen the most movement toward political content this year.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • In 1976, Misericordia expanded its operations to the former Angel Guardian Orphanage, on 22 acres in West Ridge, with Connelly, 39 children and 35 dedicated staff members moving there.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • An analysis by the Committee to Protect Journalists found that attacks against members of the media there are on the rise.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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