ELEMENT Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

element

noun

ˈe-lə-mənt

Definition of element next

as in component

one of the parts that make up a whole a free press is an essential element of a democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in principles

elements plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based the elements of mathematics can be traced back to Euclid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in area

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence she felt a bit out of her element in the mathematics section of the exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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 It is built using existing elements, resulting in fewer raw materials, a move that keeps with Balenciaga’s commitment to sustainability. —

Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024 Other elements of good sleep hygiene include not using screens before sleep and optimizing your sleep environment with a cool, quiet and dark place. —

Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024 When the high court ruled, those elements in the Smith prosecution of what Trump did from Election Day 2020 until Jan. 6 that were as part of his Oval Office duties, such as conferring with the Department of Justice, were deemed covered by immunity and had to be excluded from the case. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Dec. 2024 The league also argues the songs, or at least elements of those songs, are in the public domain. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for element

Recent Examples of Synonyms for element

Noun

All our components are designed and manufactured in different places, and delivered to our plant.

Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
But the coming year will mark a tipping point where AI moves from being a tool for individual productivity to a core component of organizational design and strategy.

Ethan Mollick, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024