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 Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026 The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026 This may have been a factor in the Almeria fire - some victims had tried to escape by car along a track only to be surrounded by flames, according to Spanish officials. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 The Endangered Species Act is widely credited with saving the California condor, which almost went extinct in the 1980s due to several factors, including habitat destruction. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 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
  • Many business owners work long hours, juggle multiple roles and struggle to delegate tasks.
    — Eyal Lifshitz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The convention will be made up of 601 delegates from Maine's 16 counties.
    — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • Parker does not carry a cosmic dust detector, and that's because until now dust has not been considered a serious component of the solar atmosphere.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 July 2026
  • Assuming the battery is fine (and all the other electrical components and solder have survived the long journey through time), how will the iPhone be activated?
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 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
  • The representative then asked for an explanation for why that much water was needed.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The superstar couple wed in a ceremony on July 3, which was officiated by actor and comedian Adam Sandler, a representative for Swift confirmed to ABC News at the time.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 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 work stoppage at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and MGB Home Care sites began Wednesday, when Massachusetts Nurses Association members voted to strike after months of contract negotiations failed.
    — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Often, he was told, immigrants aren’t given the chance to call family members before they’re released, and are dropped off at a nearby plaza, often with uncharged cellphones or no phone at all.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 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 13 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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