COMPONENT Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

component 1 of 2

noun

kəm-ˈpō-nənt

Definition of component next

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

Producing almost anything, anywhere, requires resources and components that cannot be found within the borders of any one country, even America. —

Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Feb. 2025 Norton and Intego, in particular, offer firewall protection and other security components beyond the basics of malware protection. —

PCMAG, 6 Feb. 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 two paintings contain few elements that might signal a tree – a concentration of lines near the center, lines that could be branches or a central trunk and lines that could indicate the ground or a horizon.

— Mitchell Newberry, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Trump took office last month at a time of persistent pessimism among Americans, with an average satisfaction score across key elements of U.S. life hovering at just 38%.

— Avery Lotz, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025