Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

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

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

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 constituent
Noun
Joe Favorito, a longtime marketing and public relations official who has done work for the Women’s Tennis Association and the National Women’s Soccer League, said the WNBA desperately needs alignment among all its constituents. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Bough called serving on the City Council the honor of her life and thanked her colleagues and constituents. Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Is constituent data consistent across programs? Penta Rao Marapatla, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The coalition opposing the bill, which includes firms with a financial stake in the outcome, has published constituent letters making the human case against reform. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • Iceland is also a member of the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free travel between it and other participating European countries.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hammack voted to raise rates at the Fed’s last meeting in July, but she was outvoted by fellow members of the Federal Open Market Committee who wanted to keep them steady.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Another left oil and gas to turn food waste into ingredients.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Activscience Neck-Firming Cream The lotion is rich in anti-aging ingredients, such as collagen to add plumpness and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and radiance.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Hackett's suit, filed by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, seeks compensatory and punitive damages and names Arellano in his individual capacity as the sole defendant.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Models ranked some outcomes more consistently than individual evaluators.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Play was suspended on the outside courts, but the roofs could close on Armstrong and Ashe, protecting Bublik and Wolf, and Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone, from the elements.
    Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Now, one element of great balance is there’s not a ton of headliners, stars.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For comparison, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest foundry, began mass-producing 7nm chips in 2018 and can achieve yields exceeding 90%, depending on factors including chip design and die size.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The significant rise in purse sizes in recent years is also a factor.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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