INGREDIENT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ingredient' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of ingredient are component , constituent , and element . While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture. // the ingredients of a cocktail

Q: How do 'component' and 'constituent' relate to one another, in the sense of 'ingredient'?

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

Q: Where would 'constituent' be a reasonable alternative to 'ingredient'?

The synonyms constituent and ingredient are sometimes interchangeable, but constituent stresses its essential and formative character. // the constituents of a chemical compound

Q: When might 'element' be a better fit than 'ingredient'?

In some situations, the words element and ingredient are roughly equivalent. However, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity. // the basic elements of geometry

ingredient

noun

in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt

Definition of ingredient next

as in component

one of the parts that make up a whole one of the ingredients in the salad dressing is sugar

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How is the word ingredient distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of ingredient are component, constituent, and element. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

How do component and constituent relate to one another, in the sense of ingredient?

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 ingredient?

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

the constituents of a chemical compound

When might element be a better fit than ingredient?

In some situations, the words element and ingredient are roughly equivalent. However, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

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 ingredient Curcumin supplements contain the active ingredient in curcumin. —

Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Dec. 2024 All dishes use ingredients sourced in the nearby Roman countryside, while the wine list was hand-selected by the hotel owner, Elia Federici, chairman of the hospitality consortium Gruppo Fresia. —

Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024 Star ingredient copper peptides comes together with banana extract and bakuchiol to reduce puffiness and fine lines. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024 This systemic rigidity prevents workplaces from fostering a culture of inclusion, empathy, and belonging—key ingredients to retaining talent. —

Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingredient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient

Noun

There’s also a likely component of wanting to right the wrongs of the last two postseasons, which ended with a loss at Highmark Stadium, first to the Bengals two years ago and again last year to the Chiefs.

Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Use monitoring solutions that track changes immediately and alert the team when updates impact critical components, helping maintain a consistent view of application health.

Sameer Malhotra, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024