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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 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 By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics. —Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019
Adjective
At the time of the Roadster, Tesla had to invent many components itself. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 Color Accuracy That Delivers Confidence Color is the currency of the craft for every real creative; raw strength is only one component. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 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
  • The high-energy track, which blends old school hip-hop vibes with rock elements, marks the first time a virtual group has ever produced a song and direct choreography for an audition survival series.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Other defensive elements included an Italian AWACS surveillance aircraft, a NATO refueling tanker, and a German Patriot air defense system, the New York Times reported.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of element
Adjective
  • Exposure to the alkaline solution causes pollen’s constituent polymers to become more hydrophilic, or water-loving, so depending on the conditions, the gel will swell or shrink due to the absorption or expulsion of water, explains Ibrahim.
    — Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Over the next several years, Gorbachev pursued a sweeping series of economic and political changes that allowed for quasi-private businesses and greater autonomy for the 15 constituent Soviet republics, Russia included.
    — Celeste A. Wallander, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of constituent
Noun
  • Also, unfavorable factors are the extension price tag that can top tens of billions of dollars annually, and eligibility that includes those making 400% the poverty rate.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Materazzo said the company engaged in extensive research ahead of the rollout, finding a common theme of uncertainty and anxiety from consumers due to a range of factors, including the political climate and the economy.
    — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of factor
Adjective
  • Both levels are far above EU rules demanding that individual members’ deficits should not exceed 3% of GDP, while their public debt should not surpass 60% of economic output.
    — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Now, as legal attacks against telehealth providers put shield laws to the test, some states have moved to strengthen the laws by allowing providers to prescribe anonymously, reducing their risk of legal or individual harassment.
    — Patrick Adams, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of individual
Noun
  • Experts say these ingredients contain lots of immune-boosting nutrients, like vitamin C, probiotics, and antioxidants.
    — Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Move the ingredients to the hole and toss to cover them with the sauce.
    — Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of ingredient
Adjective
  • During World War I, between shifts as an emergency ambulance driver in France, Richardson calculated how the local weather would evolve over six hours, starting with the atmospheric conditions provided by weather balloon observations on a particular morning in 1910.
    — Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Playing an instrument, in particular, engages every facet of your brain.
    — Ayana Underwood, SELF, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of particular
Noun
  • Trump is a man of many hats In Ward 8, which encompasses Donohue's district, troops have already been assigned to help with food distribution at a soup kitchen, according to Donohue and a National Guard member with knowledge of the deployment.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside 4,000 guard members, 700 active duty Marines were also sent.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 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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