Synonym Chooser

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

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 ingredient Studies suggest that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can help with weight loss due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 17 Sep. 2025 Most notably, Lee and her team of award-winning chefs did it all by embracing the impossible – using many local and organic ingredients, every Katie’s pizza is handmade. Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025 With it, King said the only ingredients in it were beef trimmings, sea salt, pepper and paprika. Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingredient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient
Noun
  • Baseball is obviously a huge component of this movie, and there’s plenty of footage of Clemente the Pirate, but Altrogge said his goal was to make this film accessible to non-baseball fans as well.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Exercise is widely regarded as an essential component of health for older adults — particularly strength training.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One of the fundamental factors influencing the sustainability of this withdrawal rate is the manner in which retirement funds are invested.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Authorities say the act was premeditated and carried out in front of a crowd that included children, a factor that could carry serious sentencing implications.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor Raddysh signed a two-year, $3 million contract over the summer to add some of those elements, but are the young players vying for a spot on the opposite wing — Brett Berard, Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault — ready to simplify their games and embrace the grunt work?
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the cancellation, the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic team is still expected to perform a flyover later today, maintaining a key element of the ceremonial tribute.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump is a man of many hats In Ward 8, which encompasses Donohue's district, troops have already been assigned to help with food distribution at a soup kitchen, according to Donohue and a National Guard member with knowledge of the deployment.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside 4,000 guard members, 700 active duty Marines were also sent.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingredient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingredient. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ingredient

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