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component

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adjective

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 components that are inside the Flip AI aren’t crucial given this is a decidedly early-state, non-retail product. Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 2 Mar. 2025 The recommendation became a crucial component in the state Legislature’s response to the tragedy — and a driver of the burgeoning financial crisis for condo owners in South Florida and across the state. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 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
Noun
  • The show has contained stories – one crime plays out over two episodes –and there are lighthearted elements and something comforting about the cluttered antiquarian bookshop, situated in a picture-perfect historic London lane.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Nonetheless, in Lund’s keenly discerning view, the game—its swings and misses, hits and runs, acrobatic catches and awkward miscues—is inseparable from the human element that goes into each of these crucial yet infinitesimal incidents.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Veasey along with constituent service representative Maria Robles answered various questions that concerned community members, educators and parents had on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
  • But over time, chicken has changed into the meat of choice for bodybuilders and Paleo dieters, due in part to the rise of nutrition science, which classifies foods by their constituent parts — protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
    Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This seemed to be a factor in ExxonMobil making a U-turn in their attitude toward climate change.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • While tariffs could be a factor in the year-over-year decline, imports were also elevated last summer as retailers pulled forward the typical peak season.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Supplements have historically relied on independent clinical tests of individual ingredients rather than testing final formulations, which has led to skepticism on their efficacy.
    Emma Sandler, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • As brand ambassadors, individual WNBA athletes also boosted advertisers.
    Russell Leung, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a farm-to-facial approach, each ingredient is harvested on-site, and the products are scientifically tested in its Sausalito lab and Botnia Atelier treatment room.
    Morgan Tilton, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The ingredients are tossed with the seasoning blend and added in three intervals based on their cooking times.
    Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Built in the mid-2000s, the sprawling estate is a very particular vision of turn-of-the-21st-century luxury (see: the Tuscan kitchen replete with dark wood cabinetry).
    Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Thompson: Alderman is sort of a conglomeration of five or six mathematicians, two in particular, in the mid-70’s in America, who were working on this idea of public key cryptography.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the chief justice has continued to attend, while other members of the court have long ago stopped going.
    Adam Liptak, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to Miller, Curtis and Danza, season four will star new cast members like Saturday Night Live alum Chris Redd and Pardison Fontaine as well as the re-introduction of Joey Bada$$ who is seemingly back from the dead and looking for revenge.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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