ingredient

noun

in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt How to pronounce ingredient (audio)
Definition of ingredientnext
as in component
one of the parts that make up a whole one of the ingredients in the salad dressing is sugar

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 ingredient Many of the ingredients, from the hazelnuts to the dairy, are sourced from the Normandy farm Frédéric runs with his wife and sister. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 The nuggets' clean ingredients list also includes wheat flour, rice starch, pea protein, water, salt, rice flour, spices and garlic powder. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026 Wildwood Community Market & Deli Boone’s food scene has something for everyone—and Wildwood Community Market & Deli is ideal for those visitors searching for hearty sandwiches, salads, and sides made with healthy, local ingredients. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026 Plus, nourishing ingredients like glycerin hydrate skin with each spritz. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingredient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient
  1. component
  2. factor
  3. element
  4. member
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
Definition of component
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
Definition of factor
Noun
  • The team analyzed 44 elements and found no single universal reaction to space; instead, microbial metabolism changed in distinct, element-specific ways.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Sugar does have benefits for feeding cut flowers, which is why it's added to the mixtures used by florists, but in flower food formulas, the sucrose is blended with antimicrobial elements to keep the water free from bacteria.
    — Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • On Tuesday, three members of the council, Leslie Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc Fils and Louis Gérald Gilles, announced the creation of a new three-member presidential college to lead the next phase of the transition.
    — JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Alexseyev has had significant involvement in the war in Ukraine, serving as one of Russia’s negotiators in the secret talks with a member of the Ukrainian parliament to end Russia’s 2022 siege of the strategic city of Mariupol, Ukraine.
    — Anna Chernova, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of member

Browse Nearby Words

ingratitude
ingredient
ingredients
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ingredient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingredient. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ingredient

Nglish: Translation of ingredient for Spanish Speakers

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