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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

Examples 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
Because of improving technology and cheaper prices of components and manufacturing, prices for 98-inch TVs have fallen 53% compared to a year ago, a Circana spokesperson told CNN. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 Buttigieg asked after the two clashed over reliance on Chinese components for electric vehicles. Juliann Ventura, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
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
  • There was also an element of escapism at the concert, which took place on the evening before Election Day.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
  • And yet who among us has not felt naïve in the pursuit of a trench, parka, or puffer that can withstand both the elements and the critical eye?
    Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Classic Bordeaux profile here that could be right or left bank because of the constituent percentages of grapes—rounded from the Merlot and taut with tannins from the Cabernet.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
  • In turn, Madigan aides said staffers were merely out bolstering legislators’ abilities to provide constituent services, not providing political help to vulnerable candidates.
    Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Success or failure In the end, two main factors will shape the Party’s future more than all the bed-wetting, nit-picking, analyses and commissions.
    Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds, which lenders use as a guide to price home loans.
    Alex Veiga, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Recent history is replete with elections which seemed more transformational at the time than a few years later, attributable more to the individual winner or circumstances than to a more basic change.
    Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • When applied to each state’s eight individual grades used in my scorecard, this geeky math shows California’s grades had the highest deviation.
    Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Secondhand marijuana smoke has many of the same carcinogens and toxic chemicals as secondhand tobacco smoke, along with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.
    David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • How does approval for food ingredients work here in the US?
    Jonquilyn Hill, Vox, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The board says the standard has driven major changes in the state’s fuel market — in particular, the rapid adoption of renewable diesel made from vegetable oil.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • One particular viral trend that the app can’t seem to shake?
    Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Page said, which was met with applause from the community members at the meeting.
    Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Hello, Quartz members, and welcome to Sunday Reads!
    Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near component

Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on component

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