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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 This though neglects the importance of AGI generalization, whereby the core element is that AI of this caliber is supposed to work across all manner of domains versus specializing in a specific domain such as chess. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 But the bones of the building are solid, and Scott's team has saved many historic elements inside it, such as the 12 stained glass windows in the second-floor sanctuary space and the original wood flooring. Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Don’t forget to clean the inside elements in your fridge, too. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 July 2025 Volcanic rock is not a new building material — it has been used throughout time, like stone, for structural elements such as walls. Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • One reason is that these five stocks – all DJIA components – have been dropping in price, not rising.
    John Navin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Every three months the components are reset to 2.5% weighting.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Kaiser has seen one case of measles this past month, which was in the Santa Clarita area, Hudson said.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • Two Kansas City suburbs are home to some of the safest drivers in the country, a new report says, while other parts of the area has become substantially more risky to drive in over the last 10 years.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Anime’s influence among athletes, particularly Black and African audiences, was a motivating factor in the collaboration, according to the partners.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Three key factors make this particularly hard and point to where solutions might emerge.
    Jeff Mahler, Forbes.com, 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
  • Thoughts: The Peril Of Cognitive Offloading And Distorted Reality The realm of thought is particularly susceptible to the negative feedback loops generated by generative AI.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The powers of their music uplifts the human spirit, generating a shielding force field that prevents the demonic realm from invading.
    EW.com, EW.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Depending on the material of the grates, keep them clean by soaking and scrubbing with a few household ingredients.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
  • Nicotine is the key ingredient, either extracted from tobacco leaf or made synthetically.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on element

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