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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 new station’s components were 3D-printed elsewhere and assembled on site last month, in what the railway’s operators say is a world first. Noriko Hayashi, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 And the long stainless steel counter can double as a wipe-clean work bench for wrenching on bike components. New Atlas, 8 Apr. 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
  • Given the setting, the team sought to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding environment for the temporary space, which will be open through April 11 and channels elements of Najdi architecture and craftsmanship.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Of course, Kallenbach considers every element when mixing and kneading, including texture and flavor, and how the final product will come together.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In place of functional information, assembly theory relies on a number called the assembly index, which measures the minimum number of steps required to make an object from its constituent ingredients.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Lawmakers are emerging from constituent events bruised and battered from voter demands to fight Republicans tooth and nail.
    Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, executive producer David Bernad reveals he and show creator Mike White had a backup plan to ensure the show maintains its signature shock factor.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • For investors who can’t resist the allure of a beat-the-market scheme, our table offers, reluctantly, factor funds in a few different flavors.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Conservatives typically treasure civic institutions as a storehouse of ancestral wisdom; those on the left have championed universal rights, individual freedoms and the vox populi.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • This comes just a few days after Derrick White overtook Isaiah Thomas for the most individual threes in a season in Celtics’ franchise history.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Key Ingredients for Watergate Cake Watergate cake calls for a few pantry staples and some surprising other ingredients for its flavor and fluffy texture: White cake mix: Use your favorite brand.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Professional chefs’ carrot cake recipes do not give fans any clarity on whether raisins are a proper ingredient.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Black women in particular have been using tools like flexi rods for generations.
    Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • One fire unit in particular specialized in collapsed structures.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Gone is Team Ivy versus Team Karen, and with it, the battle between a seasoned Broadway ensemble member and a newbie from Iowa.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • As a bonus for new members, the travel bundle also comes with three months of unlimited streaming access to Pvolve’s library of over 1,500 classes.
    Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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