factor

noun

ˈfak-tər How to pronounce factor (audio)
Definition of factornext
1
as in delegate
a person who acts or does business for another at the auction the high bidder for the painting was actually a factor for a wealthy art collector

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in component
one of the parts that make up a whole price was only one factor in my decision to buy the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 factor Winning a golf tournament is a difficult thing to do, with myriad factors and elements pouring ultimately into one formula. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026 This system considered factors such as race, occupation, and income — a practice now known as redlining. — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026 Doing so recognizes that a child’s digital experiences are shaped by diverse factors rather than the hours spent online. — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 The hunt for electronics deals is a constantly changing one, as retailers and brands raise and lower prices in response to all sorts of factors. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for factor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factor
  1. delegate
  2. component
  3. agent
  4. element
  5. representative
  6. ingredient
  7. deputy
  8. member
Noun
  • It was rejected, an outcome rendered moot when Norway failed to qualify, but delegates passed a separate motion requiring the federation’s president to voice their collective criticism at the next FIFA Congress in Qatar.
    — Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
  • The Maine Democratic Party's succession plan calls for a state party convention at which 601 delegates will meet on July 25 and vote for Platner's replacement.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • Thicker components typically mean massive internal resistance, which kills electrical current.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • The skull has about 82% of the original bones represented, and the skeleton includes rarely found components such as the wishbone, a complete pelvis and both feet.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • These gateways address growing concerns about ungoverned AI agents directly interacting with production systems, offering vital governance, security, cost management, and observability.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of agent
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The Samba sneakers add a sporty element, while proving to be comfortable and easy to walk around in around New York City.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • Hopkinson and chief financial officer Simon Capper visited Nyon, Switzerland, on multiple occasions, while the CEO also spoke to governing-body representatives in Budapest before the Champions League final in May.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Waymo’s support team is automatically notified if the vehicle crashes, and a roadside assistance representative will come to the collision site to assess the situation in person.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of representative
Noun
  • It's packed with efficacious skin care ingredients to smooth and firm mature complexions.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • Chickpeas The main ingredient in hummus and falafel, chickpeas are teeming with protein.
    — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
Definition of ingredient
Noun
  • Travis Medema, chief deputy for the Oregon State Fire Marshall, said his office will use FireSat to plan escape routes and monitor fires.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • With the help of a family friend, a retired deputy sheriff, Robinson’s parents persuaded him to surrender to authorities, according to charging documents.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of deputy
Noun
  • The Food and Drug Administration said such members could represent potential conflicts of interest, the individuals said.
    — Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
  • Margaret Flanagan, who now directs the ongoing nun study at UT Health, has family members who attended a Chicago school run by the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of member

Phrases Containing factor

Browse Nearby Words

factoids
factor
factored (in or into)
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Cite this Entry

“Factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factor. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on factor

Nglish: Translation of factor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about factor

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