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

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 Israel Defense Forces on Sunday claimed to have destroyed a manufacturing hub for critical components of ballistic missiles. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026 Democrats have since proposed passing a bill to fund components of DHS, including TSA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while leaving out funding for ICE unless reforms are made. Ford McCracken, ABC News, 29 Mar. 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
  • But the elements were affecting a lot.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Habits of thinking are hard to change quickly, and certainly some hierarchical elements were kept in the process of producing Documenta 14, such as the distinction between curators and curatorial assistants, who in many cases worked with artists more directly on the works commissioned.
    Adam Szymczyk, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The pressure in their interior is so great that atoms are crushed and split apart into their constituent particles.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The component pricing of the constituent parts—E5 at $60, Entra Suite at $12, Copilot at $30, and Agent 365 at $15—adds up to $117 per user.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Winds are another factor, especially higher in the atmosphere, where strong or changing speeds can affect a rocket’s stability.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • These two factors have been a competitive advantage for Davines, which has built a global business serving the sustained appetite of customers for natural and professional beauty products.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The new $11 million installation features between 48,000 and 50,000 individual LED lights — double the number in the original 2013 display — designed for 360-degree visibility and built to better withstand the bay’s salty, windy weather, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Part of the company’s dramatic turnaround since new ownership took over in 2019 has been to allow individual stores to tailor the shopping experience and displays to their local markets, rather than corporate’s cookie-cutter mandates, according to reporting by ModernRetail.
    Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To create a hotel that is a celebration of Italy was one of Corinthia’s main goals, and it’s reflected in the names of the hotel’s different spaces, the Italian wines in the minibar, and the Lazio producers who supply the restaurant with its ingredients.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Happy Mammoth’s use of standardized ingredients and a multi-system approach aligns with what experts say to look for in this category, which helps explain why the formula feels more comprehensive than a single-ingredient supplement.
    Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But unlike at some jungle retreats, which demand a certain ability to rough it, even the most spider-averse will feel at home here—kids in particular.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • District Attorney Vern Pierson thinks meeting with Denise – in particular – may have been Muller's objective for confessing all along.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Friends, former colleagues, and community members have dropped off care packages and shared words of encouragement.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Committee members were unconvinced, questioning why the congresswoman waited until the day of the hearing to produce such a document when Ethics Committee staff said proof of her rightful ownership of the funds was explicitly requested months ago.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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