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

Relevance

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 But Al-Juburi doesn’t see the result as a melting pot, which burns away the unique flavors and characteristics of each ingredient. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 The best products to use after shaving are those that combine hydration with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, and niacinamide. — Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026 Defensive vulnerabilities need to be covered up because an element of pragmatism is a key ingredient of most major tournament successes. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 An oppressive heat dome is bringing extremely hot temperatures to much of the United States on July Fourth – adding an ingredient of danger to traditional outdoor Independence Day festivities and America 250 celebrations. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingredient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient
  1. component
  2. factor
  3. element
  4. member
Noun
  • Parker does not carry a cosmic dust detector, and that's because until now dust has not been considered a serious component of the solar atmosphere.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 July 2026
  • Assuming the battery is fine (and all the other electrical components and solder have survived the long journey through time), how will the iPhone be activated?
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • State leaders pointed to existing defense assets, manufacturing capacity, and workforce as key factors in attracting the company.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • For instance, France is favored more by markets, reflecting factors beyond pure team strength, while Argentina and Morocco show higher probabilities in the FIFA model.
    — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of factor
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The Samba sneakers add a sporty element, while proving to be comfortable and easy to walk around in around New York City.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • The historic celebration, watched by hundreds of millions, had Hollywood appeal, welcoming Serena Williams, Idris Elba, David and Victoria Beckham and George Clooney, in addition to the royal family members in attendance.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • She will be temporarily replaced by Casey Meyer, a member of the government’s legal team.
    — Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ingredient

Nglish: Translation of ingredient for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All