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ingredient

noun
in·​gre·​di·​ent | \ in-ˈgrÄ“-dÄ“-É™nt How to pronounce ingredient (audio) \

Definition of ingredient

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent
Other Words from ingredient Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about ingredient

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Other Words from ingredient

ingredient adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for ingredient

Synonyms

building block, component, constituent, element, factor, member

Antonyms

whole

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Choose the Right Synonym for ingredient

element, component, constituent, ingredient 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 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 constituent stresses its essential and formative character. the constituents of a chemical compound ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture. the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of ingredient in a Sentence

He uses only the finest ingredients in his cooking. the ingredients of a salad the ingredients in the soap Honesty is an essential ingredient of a successful marriage. The show has all the ingredients needed to attract a large audience.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Well, put simply, while lemons contain citric acid, which can aid in killing off acne-causing bacteria, they're also considered one of the most common irritating ingredients by dermatologists. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Teen Vogue, "Bella Thorne Shared How She Treats Acne Scars," 29 Aug. 2019 Well, put simply, while lemons contain citric acid, which can aid in killing off acne-causing bacteria, they're also considered one of the most common irritating ingredients by dermatologists. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Bella Thorne’s Lemon Juice Acne-Scar Treatment May Be Natural, But It’s Also Very Bad for Your Skin," 28 Aug. 2019 Welp, read carefully, friends: Because that last letter is an important distinguisher of two different ingredients. — Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, "Yes, Chili Powder and Chile Powder Are Different Things," 27 Aug. 2019 The quality of the ingredients won’t change but portions will be slightly smaller. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Vista’s Flying Pig restaurant to close, revamp into new TownHall concept," 25 Aug. 2019 Scientists have already identified a variety of ingredients in e-cigarettes as dangerous, including particulates that contain lead, chemicals that cause cancer, and toxic flavorings. — Sara Harrison, WIRED, "Vaping May Have Killed Someone, Health Officials Say," 23 Aug. 2019 Some of those ingredients are known to be mild irritants to the skin, and a few have even been labeled as potentially carcinogenic. — Kalia Kornegay, courant.com, "As more and more people lean into eco-friendly beauty products, these two female entrepreneurs are leading the charge in Connecticut," 21 Aug. 2019 For brightening up a dull complexion and erasing sun spots, vitamin C is the gold standard of ingredients, especially as the years go on. — Vogue, "Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin C," 19 Aug. 2019 Robata is Japanese-style grilling; an open, charcoal flame used to cook a variety of ingredients. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Dragon King's Daughter New Albany's originality makes it shine over its Highlands sister," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ingredient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ingredient

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ingredient

Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade

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More Definitions for ingredient

ingredient

noun
How to pronounce ingredient (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of ingredient

: one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc.
: a quality or characteristic that makes something possible

See the full definition for ingredient in the English Language Learners Dictionary

ingredient

noun
in·​gre·​di·​ent | \ in-ˈgrÄ“-dÄ“-É™nt How to pronounce ingredient (audio) \

Kids Definition of ingredient

: one of the substances that make up a mixture

ingredient

noun
in·​gre·​di·​ent | \ in-ˈgrÄ“d-Ä“-É™nt How to pronounce ingredient (audio) \

Medical Definition of ingredient

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture formula which will have just about the same ingredients as mother's milk— Morris Fishbein

Other Words from ingredient

ingredient adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on ingredient

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ingredient

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ingredient

Spanish Central: Translation of ingredient

Nglish: Translation of ingredient for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ingredient for Arabic Speakers

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