INGREDIENT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ingredient' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of ingredient are component , constituent , and element . While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture. // the ingredients of a cocktail

Q: How do 'component' and 'constituent' relate to one another, in the sense of 'ingredient'?

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

Q: Where would 'constituent' be a reasonable alternative to 'ingredient'?

The synonyms constituent and ingredient are sometimes interchangeable, but constituent stresses its essential and formative character. // the constituents of a chemical compound

Q: When might 'element' be a better fit than 'ingredient'?

In some situations, the words element and ingredient are roughly equivalent. However, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity. // the basic elements of geometry

ingredient

noun

in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt

Definition of ingredient next

as in component

one of the parts that make up a whole one of the ingredients in the salad dressing is sugar

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How is the word ingredient distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of ingredient are component, constituent, and element. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

How do component and constituent relate to one another, in the sense of ingredient?

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 ingredient?

The synonyms constituent and ingredient are sometimes interchangeable, but constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

When might element be a better fit than ingredient?

In some situations, the words element and ingredient are roughly equivalent. However, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

Examples of ingredient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even less is known about the long-term effects of vaping without nicotine, such as using cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in cannabis, or marijuana. —

Soma Mandal, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 Key ingredients: squalane, niacinamide, peptides | Fragrance-free? —

Lori Keong, Allure, 5 Oct. 2024 East Asian immigrants first arrived in Mexico in the late 1800s as industrial workers; today, their culinary customs are being combined with Mexican ingredients by a new generation of chefs — some of whom were born in Mexico and some of whom moved there to make their mark. —

Michaela Trimble, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2024 This lip product is packed with moisturizing ingredients that leave behind the most glossy results. —

Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingredient

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ingredient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.