component 1 of 2

Definition of componentnext

component

2 of 2

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
Aerospace is a very key component. Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 31 May 2026 But later this year, most likely sometime in the fall, the Stand team plans to add an evening component, transforming the lunch spot into an evening izakaya. Connie Ogle may 30, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026
Adjective
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 By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics. Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019 See All Example Sentences for component
Recent Examples of Synonyms for component
Noun
  • This last element is worth unpacking a bit.
    Ian Mackenzie, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
  • Diamonds are in my DNA, and unexpected design elements and object detailing are central to my work.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • This was still a season when every constituent part of the club — ownership, board, managers, players, fans — at times felt at odds with the other.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 25 May 2026
  • With midterm elections six months out, members of Congress in persuadable districts are more responsive to constituent pressure than at any other point in the legislative cycle.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Inflation concerns Another factor that could push the RBI in favour of a rate cut is the risk of higher inflation.
    Sri Jegarajah,Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 June 2026
  • Much of Microsoft’s messaging around AI is speculative and self-serving, but the company rightly points out that new computing form factors have always required specialization, and that process is complex and expensive.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The height of neoliberalism brought about an almost universal shift in art toward the global, away from the specifics of individual places, their histories, people, and physical locations.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • These can be booked as individual rooms or entire units for large groups or those who want maximum privacy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The kitchen teams source 70% of their ingredients from local purveyors, reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint, too.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • When the skin barrier is healthy, the skin looks calmer, smoother, more luminous and more tolerant of active ingredients, Devgan tells me.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Teenagers, in particular, wonder if they’ve been given a road block to future success.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • In particular, chip demand for AI has exploded, supporting both the training of AI models and their deployment across applications.
    Rakesh Kumar, Fortune, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Sennott, 30, appeared alongside Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, Saturday Night Live cast member Ashley Padilla, Keke Palmer, and Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson on The Hollywood Reporter's Comedy Actresses Roundtable.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • The original series took off in popularity during season 5 in 2019, turning cast members such as Higgins, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury into household names.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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