component 1 of 2

noun

kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
Definition of componentnext
as in element
one of the parts that make up a whole each set is composed of several distinct components

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

component

2 of 2

adjective

as in constituent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 two men are then seen picking up the debris and leftover components. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Pluto will be in Aquarius for the whole duration of this generation's astrology, which means AI, robots, space travel, technological advances and community are essential components of what leads them forward. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 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
  1. element
  2. constituent
  3. factor
  4. individual
  5. ingredient
  6. particular
  7. member
Noun
  • After the Entrada, there are traces of Teotihuacan’s presence all over Tikal, from royal burials in a necropolis to distinctly Mexican architecture mixed with Maya elements in a complex of residential and ceremonial buildings near the heart of the city.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, there are elements of youth and inexperience that can only be felt in my shows in the past, perhaps my fans can find entertainment in my growth as well.
    — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of element
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
Definition of constituent
Noun
  • Recruiting top-tier talent has been a key factor in Rebellions’ success, says Ki-Jun Kim, CEO of Kakao Ventures, who first met Park in 2019 and decided to invest 2 billion won in Rebellions within an hour of their conversation.
    — John Kang, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Since then, political analysts and GOP strategists have pointed to Musk's increasingly polarizing image as a key factor in the loss.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of factor
Adjective
  • Pathways on Google Cloud simplifies scaling beyond individual Ironwood Pods, allowing for the orchestration of hundreds of thousands of Ironwood chips for next-generation AI computational requirements.
    — Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The federal government argues the states can adjust their individual budgets.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of individual
Noun
  • Ketchup is also a key ingredient for topping our meatloaf and flavoring our baked beans.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The key ingredients to effective just-in-time inclusion efforts are the right people, at the right time, with the right message, and from the right messenger.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of ingredient
Adjective
  • Black women in particular have been using tools like flexi rods for generations.
    — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The final contestants from Group C — Nessy, Mad Scientist Monster, and Yorkie — did not follow that particular decades trend, opting to jump around more in time instead.
    — Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of particular
Noun
  • Kher will introduce the screening alongside cast and crew members, with numerous A-list celebrities expected in attendance.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Shapiro had celebrated with a Seder at the official residence with his family and members of the Jewish community in the same room where authorities said the fire was set.
    — Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of member

Browse Nearby Words

comply (with)
component
components
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Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/component. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on component

Nglish: Translation of component for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about component

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