component 1 of 2

noun

kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
Definition of componentnext
as in element
one of the parts that make up a whole each set is composed of several distinct components

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

component

2 of 2

adjective

as in constituent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word component distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of component are constituent, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," 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

In what contexts can constituent take the place of component?

While in some cases nearly identical to component, constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

When is element a more appropriate choice than component?

While the synonyms element and component are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is it sensible to use ingredient instead of component?

Although the words ingredient and component have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

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 component
Noun
The broadband program was a key component of the $1-trillion infrastructure law enacted under the Biden administration. —Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 Trump's tariffs on automotive imports and car components have caused turmoil in the global auto industry, with some companies altering production plans to ease costs related to the duties, while others wait to see if the policies change. —Marie Mannes, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Adjective
Perceptual convergence of multi-component mixtures in olfaction implies an olfactory white. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2012 The layout by Oakland design studio Open Daily is clean; even more complicated recipes, like Henry Hsu’s multi-component cornerstone rice cakes, are easy to follow. —Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 9 Nov. 2020 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
  1. element
  2. constituent
  3. factor
  4. individual
  5. ingredient
  6. particular
  7. member
Noun
  • Staking peonies with peony cages offers the plant support and keeps it upright even through the elements.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025
  • Look for heavy-duty materials rather than lightweight covers if the furniture is not located in an area that’s sheltered from the elements (for example, a covered porch or patio).
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Definition of element
Adjective
  • Their vineyard, for example, is far more than the sum of its constituent parts precisely because each individual aspect is so obsessed over in order to maximize quality.
    — Brian Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Sometimes Congress emphasizes a different approach to meeting national security priorities; sometimes its choices are driven more by constituent job concerns.
    — Mara Karlin, Foreign Affairs, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of constituent
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
Definition of factor
Adjective
  • The move will likely escalate political tensions between the Trump administration and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Democrats in Congress denounced the federal government overruling an individual state's decision, along with Republicans rule-skirting legislative approach.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The information provided by Diversified, LLC should not be a substitute for consulting a qualified tax advisor, accountant, or other professional concerning the application of tax law or an individual tax situation.
    — Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of individual
Noun
  • What concentration of active whitening ingredients is best?
    — Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Espresso-Chile Rub 2 tablespoons espresso powder 3 tablespoons ground chile powder such as ancho 3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground black pepper Combine all ingredients and mix well.
    — Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025
Definition of ingredient
Adjective
  • This person’s crush probably has nothing to do with the grocery employee, but everything to do with a rush of brain chemicals that happened to occur in their particular brain coincidentally at that moment and in that space.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • Errors and misjudgments should be identified and corrected, however, not by government officials who demand a particular narrative of our nation’s past but by scholars and teachers adhering to the profession’s demanding standards.
    — James T. Kloppenberg, Time, 28 May 2025
Definition of particular
Noun
  • Advertisement Advertisement Here are the 24 cast members of Season 50 and what to know, or remember, about each of them as the long wait until next year marches on.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Marchese, who is also a board member at National CineMedia, sees movie theaters as being part of the experiential conversation, with last weekend’s box office bonanza showing that theatrical moviegoing still has a pulse.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 May 2025
Definition of member

Browse Nearby Words

comply (with)
component
components
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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on component

Nglish: Translation of component for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about component

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