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 Palencia — a breakout performer for the Cubs in last year’s postseason and Team Venezuela’s closer during its World Baseball Classic championship run this spring — is another X-factor. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 These factors weaken them, since such storms get their energy from warm ocean waters and tend to thrive when the upper-level winds surrounding them are relatively weak. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 LeBlanc and his office have declined to comment to CNBC on how the metals tariffs factor into the negotiations. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Other factors could be driving down enrollment The Heritage Foundation’s Sheffield says that some of the drop in SNAP use is likely a natural decline after peaks in the pandemic era. — Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 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
  • But the process falls apart when a company has to scale up, delegate, or is mostly remote.
    — K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this year, youth advocates from the UNICEF Club at Montgomery Blair High School in Maryland met with state senators, delegates and staffers at the Annapolis State House and attended some committee hearings.
    — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • Researchers can then change the circuit’s layout without redesigning every component.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Moscow denied it, but such dual-use items as drone components, flak jackets or thermal weapon sights remain available on the platform.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • Yet after initially acknowledging the economic struggle, the government once again accused the protesters of being foreign agents before unleashing one of the worst crackdowns in the Islamic Republic’s history.
    — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Emmie – as a skit featuring Epic employees dressed as colorful AI agents illustrated – is designed to answer common questions more reliably than general-use chatbots.
    — Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of agent
Noun
  • Having a different brush for each hair type is another element that makes the brush a gamechanger.
    — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Singh, who at one time built houses for a living, believes a key element to reviving Norwich is making developers feel welcome.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • Paramount Skydance representatives are expected to meet on Monday with the California Attorney General’s office to discuss a potential settlement of the states’ antitrust case, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
  • At the time, a representative for Botanic Tonics, the company behind Feel Free, told USA TODAY its Feel Free Classic tonic contains only natural leaf kratom, with nearly undetectable levels of 7-OH.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of representative
Noun
  • In a medium bowl whisk together next seven ingredients (through vanilla).
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026
  • For those who are intimately familiar with the Pisco Sour, the list of ingredients may raise an eyebrow.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of ingredient
Noun
  • In 2019, deputies arrived at a Denver-area STEM school while shooting was still going on inside, the local sheriff said at the time.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • On arrival, deputies located the teens, both males, at a fire station before they were taken to a hospital.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of deputy
Noun
  • In recent weeks, family members of Lincoln service members voiced worries about deteriorating mental health conditions aboard the ship, as well as sanitary conditions and food shortages.
    — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • From the lifeguard by the pool who’s been here for 30 years and taught most of the members’ children to swim, to the bright young team at the kids’ club.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 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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