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
While most of the impacts shattered the outer lens, internal components that were destroyed in Read's vehicle remained intact in multiple test taillights. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025 There are several factors affecting the moisture level in your potting soil, such as the quantity of moisture applied to it, certain environmental conditions, and the type of components in the potting soil. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 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
  • 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
Definition of element
Adjective
  • Modular means creating housing — either constituent parts or even entire units — in a factory, then fitting them together on site.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
  • San Jose leaders, facing rising constituent pressure to clean their streets, want the county — traditionally focused on providing health services — to bear a bigger share of the cost of building shelter.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 31 May 2025
Definition of constituent
Noun
  • More customer satisfaction studies Four other studies by J.D. Power marketing research firm also tracked overall customer satisfaction for banking and credit card digital offerings based on four factors: navigation; speed; visual appeal; and information/content.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025
  • Good drainage, a spot in full sun, fertile soil, and adequate space are all factors in successfully growing dahlias in pots.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Definition of factor
Adjective
  • This is what gives each individual contributor the drive to go above and beyond.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 June 2025
  • The hybrid arrangement meant that ratings for each individual game fluctuated widely within the series.
    — Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of individual
Noun
  • American pilsners are based upon German pilsners but can incorporate a wider variety of ingredients, including corn and can be described as falling between a Bohemian pilsner and German pilsner in terms of flavor.
    — Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Published alongside ingredients lists for the likes of Green Banana Chowder and Baobab Panko Salmon?
    — Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Definition of ingredient
Adjective
  • One of its biggest beefs in recent years has been over U.S. moves to limit the access of Chinese companies to technology, and in particular to equipment and processes needed to produce the most advanced semiconductors.
    — Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • But for some reason this particular patch of dead air didn’t leave enough time to let everyone back to their seats before Lin-Manuel Miranda and company took the stage.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 June 2025
Definition of particular
Noun
  • Marcus Loew was a member of that first generation, who, owning a chain of theatres, went west to see whether he could get involved in actually making movies—like a modern-day tech tycoon with a platform looking for product.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • That game, featuring all nine original members as playable fighters, broke new ground by integrating hip-hop culture directly into the gaming world.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 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 17 Jun. 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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