Definition of elementnext
1
2
3

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 For a cabinet of curiosities–style display, place paperwhites in an open-top glass terrarium along with other natural elements like evergreen clippings and pine cones. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026 Other council members showed general support for the idea during the meeting Wednesday, with some asking questions about elements of the bill. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026 Music plays a huge element in the project, with composer Nitin Sawhney attached as well as Bleu and Nahas set to perform. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026 Be sure the elements designed into your home are reasonable for you or a future owner, with or without a dog in the picture. Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for element
Recent Examples of Synonyms for element
Noun
  • Joining Air New Zealand just as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, Foran tackled a series of crises, from persistent shortages of engine components to the grounding of up to 11 aircraft.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
  • However, Zelenskyy, backed by European leaders and some members of Congress, has insisted that the sanctions regime against Russia must instead be tightened to starve the Russian war machine of revenue and Western technological components.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Detectives noted a consistent gait and distinctive walking pattern across videos captured before and after the shooting, including footage showing the suspect circling the area for hours and later walking away from the Barus & Holley building shortly after the gunfire.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Prescott's downtown area adds the perfect southwest charm and history and was even the stomping grounds of famed cowboy Doc Holiday.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Joe Brusuelas, senior economist at RSM US, highlighted a few of those factors when pushing back on White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett’s claim Monday that subdued job gains are primarily the result of lower population figures and higher productivity.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Mindfulness is one factor of the Eightfold Path, and those other factors are extremely important.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Demonstrations are happening on a near daily basis.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Her job, which keeps you breathless even from the safety of your chair or sofa, sees her mediating between clients, company management and cleaning staff on a daily basis.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If multiple hypotheses work to explain the data equally well but one conflicts with reality in some other realm (and the other doesn’t), the one that’s valid across the widest range of applicability is superior.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There are many arguments and ideas to bring more transparency, flexibility and consumer choice to the realm of drug pricing.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And isn’t that about to become the defining ingredient of all future Hall of Fame voting, sooner than later?
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In his youth, all children in the British equivalent of sixth grade were supposed to take an exam to sort them into grammar or vocational schools; Goldsworthy wasn’t even given the test.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Charles Langmuir was no fan of his son's weakness in grammar and spelling.
    Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The domain of linguistics, for example, is being turned on its head.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • If possible, create your own domain.
    Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/element. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on element

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!