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 The HBCUs’ ratings are hurt by, among other factors, relatively low rates of graduation and retention (the percentage of students who return after their first year). — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 If your 25 mpg trips included long stretches at a steady 60 mph, that is probably the biggest factor. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 That’s a notable move for the yield, which moves higher when investors’ expectations for inflation, economic growth and other factors in upcoming years are rising. — Stan Choe, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 The depth of thaw, which can vary from one day to the next, is another factor. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 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
  • The festival expects more than 5,000 delegates and 1,000-plus filmmakers and artists.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • And it must be checked continuously as the agent acts, transacts, and delegates.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • The Producer Price Index chart semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing industry looks like a hockey stick.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • And People Will Value Your Authenticity Demonstrating strong leadership is an obvious component of thought leadership.
    — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • In recent years, the Service Employees International Union 32BJ has pushed for better working conditions for workers at the airport, such as wheelchair agents and cabin cleaners, who work for contractors of American Airlines.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
  • Inadequate data management is projected to cause 60% of AI project failures, with autonomous agents posing even greater risks as errors can spread rapidly.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of agent
Noun
  • Magnesium, on the other hand, shows much more potential, with the same quantity of water containing 2,980 kg (6,570 lb) of the element, roughly the weight of a 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty Cargo Truck … so, a lot.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • There’s the Targaryen element, but there’s the Hightower in him as well.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • The deadline comes through a provision in the state budget that requires any municipality whose representative voted to end the project to repay $60 million that was spent on preliminary design and engineering.
    — DJ Simmons August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Nurses will also be at all schools to monitor students' health concerns, and district representatives are going door-to-door to check on affected students.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of representative
Noun
  • Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then fold in the vegetable oil with a silicone spatula until fully incorporated.
    — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
  • Just as the chef relies on ingredients harvested at their peak from the restaurant's culinary garden and local farms, the wine program evolves throughout the year to complement those changing flavors.
    — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of ingredient
Noun
  • Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden ended the department’s partnership with ICE in 2018, but 10 Charlotte-area sheriff’s deputies still work with the federal agency.
    — Noah Vinsky July 25, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • The firm most recently helped the city hire Nate Vogel, the airport’s deputy director of operations.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026
Definition of deputy
Noun
  • That’s the understatement of the day from a Neighborhood Planning Unit member talking about the Formula 1 racing event that will be held on the streets of Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood this Saturday.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
  • There are normally no checks at borders between members of the EU’s internal Schengen Area, though they can be introduced for a limited time in exceptional circumstances.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 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 3 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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