constituent 1 of 2

Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both 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

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent 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 constituent
Noun
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores said in a text to the Star-Telegram that Mayor Mattie Parker and his fellow council members work hard and commit a lot of time to representing their constituents. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 May 2026 Only seven of the index’s constituents have risen in 2026, led by Hua Hong Semiconductor, Lenovo, JD, Midea and several electric car stocks. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 May 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 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • The incident occurred as Minneapolis faced tensions from federal immigration enforcement operations, reflecting a broader uptick in threats against Congress members in recent years.
    Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Guadalupe Lopez, a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, took over the office in July 2025.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The company has stripped away the complexity, allowing anyone to snap spectacular images of galaxies and nebulae hundreds of light-years away without wrestling with multi-component setups requiring serious technical chops – all wrapped in Vaonis's trademark minimalist design.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Much of the ingredients will be sources directly from Greece, including olive oil, olives, feta cheese and grape leaves.
    Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • The bar menu is divided into Indian regions, each with cocktails inspired by the dishes and ingredients local to that part of the country.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of everything being controlled through a single touch-screen, dedicated physical controls and circuits would allow easier servicing of individual components.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Arcadia city officials said the case is tied to Wang’s individual conduct and does not impact city operations.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • And the other really important element in this is, of course, the connection between Israel and the Jewish people.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • There's a gut-punching element of tragedy, too, as Loki kills his real father, Laufey (Colm Feore), then appears to plummet to his own death in the final act.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Without a control group, a study is unlikely to reveal which factors in someone’s life led them to act.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
  • All these factors have contributed to confusion about whether participating in No Mow May is still beneficial.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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