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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
This is an incredible deal on a slimline laptop with a nice screen and some solid components. K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025 Its processors are the main component in more than 70% of the world’s personal computers and server machines. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 13 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 best among them can turn the disparate elements of theater into something seamlessly whole.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Poor defense returns After cleaning up elements of their defensive play during their recent road trip, the Rangers slipped into poor habits almost immediately against Calgary.
    Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The meeting was tamer than some constituent meetings held by Republicans, who hold majorities in the House and the Senate.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Water extracted from ice could serve multiple purposes for astronauts, not only as drinking water but also for producing rocket fuel by splitting water molecules into their constituent parts — oxygen and hydrogen.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 7 Mar. 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
  • Pay down revolving lines of credit Credit card bills and other revolving lines of credit are the largest factor in determining your credit score.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 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
  • Though not necessarily autobiographical, the album features narrators grappling with questions of identity and how it’s shaped, both on an individual and communal level.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Independent testing confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
    Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
  • While shaving cream can be effective on its own, it can also be combined with other cleaning ingredients to make even more of an impact.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One track in particular even predated both songs altogether.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • As the band’s newest single begins to slide, a classic that helped launch the musicians to stardom is a huge hit once more, and the group flexes its selling power in particular on one ranking.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Cast members Lee-Zen Lee, Yi-Ti Yao and Jacob Wang will be on hand to discuss the production.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Dresden’s period drama From Hilde, With Love focuses on the Hilde Coppi, a left-wing member of resistance group the Red Orchestra, who was arrested and executed by the Nazis.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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