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 Nearly every dish at Uma Roma, an innovative new restaurant, is dedicated to a single ingredient. Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Under the current rules, complex drugs known as biologics are eligible for the negotiation process after 13 years, but the clock restarts for a new version of the drug – like a subcutaneous form – that adds an additional active ingredient. Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot,bertha Coombs, CNBC, 14 May 2025 Effectively treating toenail fungus (and preventing it from returning) requires an ingredient that targets the infection itself. Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 14 May 2025 Meanwhile, high-fructose corn syrup — a common ingredient in ketchup — isn’t being banned. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingredient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient
Noun
  • Stack Unit Economics Today's robotics startups leverage off-the-shelf components, cloud computing and AI to bring solutions to market in months instead of years.
    Aditya Ranjan, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Jefferson noted that while housing inflation has come down, other components, particularly goods prices, have recently edged up, and short-term inflation expectations are on the rise.
    Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Photos from the main camera are binned by a factor of four, resulting in final shots of 12.5MP.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
  • Why this degree of recognition was delayed is, in all likelihood, due to a combination of factors.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The common element is that a single federal judge in one of 94 regional districts paused a policy for the entire country while the case is being litigated.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, a personal tragedy shakes Colin into consciousness, the only element that manages to pierce Ray’s exterior long enough to let his sub in.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • His Department of Homeland Security acknowledged as much just days after his order by requesting 20,000 National Guard members to help with the immigration crackdown.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The team could handle Game 6 differently, swapping out a member of the first unit for McBride’s shooting or for Robinson’s defense and rebounding.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingredient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingredient. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ingredient

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