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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 The lace detailing adds a flirty element without being overly revealing, and the modest midi length balances out the cut-outs. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2025 The final part of the promotion features a charitable element. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 29 July 2025 Back in the day, even up to 9/11 for the most part, if something big and crazy happened, there would be a unifying element to society. Jack Dunn, Variety, 28 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • Roberson was a key component to the Buffs’ playoff appearance a season ago.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
  • Adventure Mate uses a mixture of hardened tool steel, composite and aerospace-grade aluminum to create a powerful, rugged tool that weighs in under 5 lb (2.3 kg) inclusive of all the hard components (handle, axe/saw head and shovel head).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Other areas of constraint are chips and components to make the servers.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Adobe Town is a remote area in the Red Desert of southwest Wyoming, about a 250-mile drive west of Cheyenne.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Despite this, McAllister was permitted to enter without being asked to remove his chain, a factor that is believed to have contributed to his death.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
  • There are probably a lot of factors to that, but among them, consider the idea that maybe his audience has been scared straight… scared Strait won’t come around again.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • The price-to-earnings ratio of 17.2 trades below the S&P 500’s 26.9, suggesting the stock may be attractively valued on an earnings basis.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • And buyouts mean that towns’ tax bases decrease, bringing in less money to apply to future floods.
    John Seabrook, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • In the realm of the visual, the Renaissance umanisti became humanists in our sense, almost by accident: what the painters learned from the past gave them license to enliven their work with faces, bodies, and desires.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
  • Gemini Sun & Rising: Gemini, this week Chiron retrograde in Aries begins a five-month healing journey in the realm of your friendships and social alliances.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • Asking for just 8 ingredients and about half an hour of time, this easy beef stroganoff recipe is a weeknight winner.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
  • Avocado emulsifies the salsa, bringing all the ingredients together for a zippy bite filled with fresh tomatillo, cilantro, and serrano flavor.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Grammarly instantly checks spelling, grammar, and tone, and can suggest improvements for clarity and professionalism.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Pimsleur really teaches you to understand and speak languages, whereas Transparent Online Language primarily gives you words, phrases, and grammar.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • These children show difficulties across almost every domain: language, cognition, behavior.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The implication was that some powerful figure, or perhaps a cabal of them, secretly killed Epstein to prevent damaging information about themselves from entering the public domain.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/element. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on element

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