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Synonym Chooser

How is the word element distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of element are component, constituent, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

How are the words component and constituent related as synonyms of element?

Both 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

Where would constituent be a reasonable alternative to element?

The synonyms constituent and element are sometimes interchangeable, but constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

When is it sensible to use ingredient instead of element?

The words ingredient and element can be used in similar contexts, but 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 element Working as part of a collaboration often scrubs the more human elements from the story, those moments that might be unflattering are the moments that remind people that these mythic figures of our imagination are, in fact, flawed humans, just like you and me. Brendan O’Meara 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 Therefore, McCormick said the City Council’s decision last year to implement its housing element updates without voter approval was valid. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 21 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • One of the components in the Tenant Bill of Rights is the formal dispute resolution process.
    Steve Osunsami, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • Cohen believes there are four key components to giving hard feedback.
    Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The event will feature 25 healthcare vendors, area restaurants, games, prizes and drawings.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • One area of contention is around the cost of the reconciliation legislation.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Among the factors – beyond the prospect of a hard cap – in sitting out Thursday night’s second round was the Heat already with a packed roster at the moment.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Your credit limit on a zero-interest card might range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on your credit score and other factors.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • As technology continues to rapidly advance and new tools are released on a consistent basis, determining how to best tackle cybersecurity threats and a lack of regulations for AI use is essential to keeping sensitive information and valuable IP safe for the long term.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Kavanaugh also noted that the Administrative Procedures Act remains an avenue for plaintiffs to bring challenges to presidential policies on a nationwide basis.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The first in the series, Crown of War and Shadow, introduces readers to a complex mystical realm, thrilling action sequences and a new sweeping love story.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • Indeed, it’s never made anything less than a good one, with a number of them ranking in the excellent-to-stone-cold-classic realm.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Once all of the ingredients come together, refrigerate your pitcher, stirring occasionally for several hours.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 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
Noun
  • Her latest volume, the National Book Award winner Something About Living, is full of impossible cohesions, offering this straight-on singularity of body and mind to birds, grammars, and architectures.
    Cindy Juyoung Ok June 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • Look for misspellings, poor grammar, or URLs that are suspicious.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s the domain of humans: the executive who senses when to pivot, the founder who intuits product-market fit before the metrics appear, the storyteller who moves a room, the leader who earns trust in a single conversation.
    Dror Berman, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • So how exactly did the former domain of couples’ massages and cucumber water become the next frontier in medicine?
    Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/element. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on element

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