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Synonym Chooser

How is the word element distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of element are component, constituent, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

How are the words component and constituent related as synonyms of element?

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

Where would constituent be a reasonable alternative to element?

The synonyms constituent and element are sometimes interchangeable, but constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

When is it sensible to use ingredient instead of element?

The words ingredient and element can be used in similar contexts, but 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 element Working as part of a collaboration often scrubs the more human elements from the story, those moments that might be unflattering are the moments that remind people that these mythic figures of our imagination are, in fact, flawed humans, just like you and me. Brendan O’Meara 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 Therefore, McCormick said the City Council’s decision last year to implement its housing element updates without voter approval was valid. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 21 June 2025 By assessing population data, demographics and neighborhoods can be identified as lacking certain elements. Fnu Anupama, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 The new customization center will incorporate renewable energy with built in energy-efficient design elements in lighting, water consumption and overall layout. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • All three of the index's components — current sales conditions, sales expectations in the next six months and buyer traffic — fell month over month.
    Sara Salinas, CNBC, 18 June 2025
  • One of the components in the Tenant Bill of Rights is the formal dispute resolution process.
    Steve Osunsami, ABC News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 14, according to the Tribune’s archives.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • Two projectiles reportedly hit the area around the airport.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Another factor causing relatively restrictive monetary policy for now is that headline inflation is running at 2.4% to May 2025.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The amount varies across generations, and according to factors like income and credit usage, according to Experian.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Jesus Sanchez had two hits including a home run, Calvin Faucher retired James Wood with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth and the visiting Miami Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Saturday.
    By, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
  • In this example, the stock is now worth $100,000 and has a tax basis of $65,000, and the investor’s long-term capital gains rate is 28.8%.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, it’s never made anything less than a good one, with a number of them ranking in the excellent-to-stone-cold-classic realm.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
  • The first in the series, Crown of War and Shadow, introduces readers to a complex mystical realm, thrilling action sequences and a new sweeping love story.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Once all of the ingredients come together, refrigerate your pitcher, stirring occasionally for several hours.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
  • Independent testing confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
    Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Especially in multilingual markets, users frequently mix languages and use non-standard grammar, local idioms, creative spelling and hybrid sentence structures.
    Alessa Cross, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Answers may have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some cases, to remove hate speech or offensive language.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Always check URLs, email domains and phone numbers carefully.
    Bojan Ilic, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The problem is that newbies to generative AI may not be aware of the official domains hosting the R1 model.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/element. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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