INGREDIENT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ingredient

noun

in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt

Definition of ingredient next

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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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

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 ingredient The overnight lip mask packs nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides and has a thick formula that stays put. —

Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 19 Nov. 2024 Today's taco adventure takes us to a fast-casual eatery that specializes in quesadillas with nontraditional ingredients. —

Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024 Secondhand marijuana smoke has many of the same carcinogens and toxic chemicals as secondhand tobacco smoke, along with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. —

David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 Rub a lychee or lemon wedge around the rim if desired, then shake all ingredients with ice for 15–20 seconds. —

Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingredient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient

Noun

Three makers of ubiquitous technology components (No. 1 NVIDIA, No. 5 AMD, No. 11 Apple) made the top of the list, as well as a maker of business process software and services (No. 2 ServiceNow) and a cybersecurity company (No. 7 Fortinet).

Heather Newman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Despite sharing many components with the outgoing 360, the F430 most critically featured an entirely new engine.

Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024