Definition of elementnext
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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 But the most eye-catching elements are the flocks of colored blobby shapes that appear to dart back and forth across their surfaces, like jellyfish swimming back and forth. Benjamin Lima, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026 Kochevar brought together an interesting mix of senior leaders like Sidney Petterssen, who leads the team with 20 goals and 18 assists, and a group of raw but talented eighth-graders who have delivered a dynamic element to the team. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026 The trefoil symbol appears again on the cork insole, an element of the shoe which has unsurprisingly resulted in Birkenstock comparisons. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 Because of the bulbous front element, filters can only be fitted at the rear, but Sigma's included GP-11 filter holder makes this surprisingly straightforward. Tantse Walter, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • Through this project, Jamie shows that the core ideas behind modern machines—cars, fans, and even industrial robots—can be understood with simple components and a bit of patience.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
  • There are also other components in caffeinated beverages – particularly tea – that can provide brain boosting effects such as polyphenols and L-theanine which may guard against oxidative stress and support cerebrovascular function.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • AccuWeather forecasters warned that the risk of thunderstorms in northern portions of the Central Valley, along with coastal Southern California, could trigger flash flooding and tornadoes in some areas.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The 30-year-old Somali American, who also co-owns a Mediterranean restaurant in the same area experiencing similar economic tribulations, described his coffee shops as local melting pots for Muslims and non-Muslims, East Africans and White people.
    Yahya Salem, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The university disputed his statement, saying the deficit is substantially lower and stems from broader institutional and external factors.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • In his appeal, Green argued the sentence was too harsh – that Judge Samuel Cappas abused his discretion with the factors used to come up with his prison term.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An additional 74 positions would see reductions in hours or pay basis.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Prior to Wednesday, speculators had been fairly balanced in their view of whether a 25-basis-point cut would come at the FOMC’s next meeting in March, giving it a probability of around 40%, per CME’s FedWatch barometer.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The conclusion that emerges is that transatlantic slavery was foundational, and known to be so, during the westward expansion of the British royal realm.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
  • There’s a wonderful landscape to wander through in that realm of what’s over here.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Food Processor quickly chops, slices and shreds a wide array of ingredients for unlimited culinary creations while the Coffee & Spice Grinder efficiently grinds coffee beans, spices and herbs for superior flavor and potency.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Biotin, an essential B vitamin, is a common hair care ingredient known for its ability to support keratin production, a protein that’s essential for helping form hair strands (as well as nails and the epidermis).
    Erika Reals, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His writing style followed no rules and paid little attention to grammar or punctuation.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • In his youth, all children in the British equivalent of sixth grade were supposed to take an exam to sort them into grammar or vocational schools; Goldsworthy wasn’t even given the test.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Integrating unmanned logistics The Army continues to expand its use of unmanned systems across air and ground domains.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • There are no better CEOs in the nation than in the airline industry – in operational, financial, strategic domains and their individual characters are sterling.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/element. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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