Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

element

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of element

1 one of the parts that make up a whole

  • a free press is an essential element of a democracy
Synonyms of element

building block, component, constituent, factor, ingredient, member
Words Related to element

basis, part and parcel

detail, item, particular, point

aspect, characteristic, facet, feature, trait

division, fragment, particle, partition, piece, portion, section, sector, segment

subcomponent
Near Antonyms of element

aggregate, composite, compound, mass

entirety, sum, summation, total, totality

admixture, amalgam, amalgamation, blend, combination, intermixture, mix, mixture
Antonyms of element

whole

2 elements plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based

  • the elements of mathematics can be traced back to Euclid
Synonyms of element

ABC(s), alphabet, basics, essentials, fundamentals, grammar, principles, rudiments
Words Related to element

basis, bedrock, cornerstone, foundation, groundwork, keystone, underpinning

nitty-gritty

belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, faith, philosophy

axiom, law, precept, tenet

rule, standard

theorem
Near Antonyms of element

details, trivia

3 a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

  • she felt a bit out of her element in the mathematics section of the exam
Synonyms of element

area, arena, bailiwick, barony, business, circle, demesne, department, discipline, domain, fief, fiefdom, field, firmament, front, game, kingdom, line, precinct, province, realm, specialty, sphere, terrain, walk
Words Related to element

frontier

study, subject

territory, turf

occupation, profession, pursuit, racket, vocation

ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confine, dimension(s), extent, ken, reach, scope, sweep, width

subfield, subspecialty

Synonym Discussion of element

element, component, constituent, ingredient 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
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
constituent stresses its essential and formative character.
    • the constituents of a chemical compound
ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.
    • the ingredients of a cocktail

Learn More about element

  1. Dictionary: Definition of element Medical Dictionary: Definition of element Spanish Central: Translation of element Nglish: Translation of element for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of element for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up element? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games