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 Dexas’ flexible Grippmat cutting mats make food prep simple and prevent cross contamination with colored designs – chop, then flex the mat to easily funnel ingredients into a bowl or pan. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 There is a certain magic to a pot of homemade soup, the way a handful of simple ingredients turns into something warm and nourishing on a cool evening. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026 Writer Arati Menon heads to Kitchen on the Edge of the World, a four-day event where top chefs harness the Arctic elements and local ingredients to create extraordinary culinary experiences. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026 Rosemary isn’t exactly a magic ingredient for long, thick hair. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingredient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingredient
  1. component
  2. factor
  3. element
  4. member
Noun
  • In March, the Pentagon reportedly began shipping Patriot and THAAD components from South Korea to the Middle East to support the Iran war.
    — Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Ukraine's General Staff that day said its forces hit an electronics plant in Oryol that makes components for the cruise and ballistic missiles Russia fires at Ukrainian cities.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • The survey explores the factors that trigger people to go for outdoor comfort.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The duration depends on factors including the reason for treatment and whether a patient has had previous clots, Abou-Ismail added.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of factor
Noun
  • Yet none of those visual elements establishes who actually sent the email.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • By redesigning the work product—an important element of the daily routines—work became more enjoyable for the employees.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • Manchin is running a project to elect more members of Congress outside the major parties.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There isn’t a single penny in the legislation to buy back the medallions, but that doesn’t mean that the 51-member Council doesn’t think about money.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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