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ingredient

noun
in·​gre·​di·​ent | \ in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt 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

 Therefore, the base ingredient is 1.5 oz. of vodka in each of them. — Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "Creamsicle Day: Celebrate by mixing up your own creamy cocktail with these recipes," 14 Aug. 2019 Some 25 crew members filled the house performing their roles in making sure the set was dressed, the ingredients were at hand, the talent had hair and makeup in place, and the equipment was ready to roll. — Paula Johnson, Smithsonian, "Remembering Julia Child," 13 Aug. 2019 This ingredient was included, music users argue, so Congress could react by creating new laws for licensing, if Congressional leaders disagree with the DOJ's actions. — Ed Christman, Billboard, "Music User Groups Warn DOJ Abandoning Consent Decrees 'Would Be a Public Policy Error of the Highest Order'," 12 Aug. 2019 Bakers' Dozen Dear Bakers’ Dozen: The key ingredient here is communication: Communicate to these women the concrete ways in which their spotty attendance impacts the rest of the club. — cleveland.com, "Dear Annie: Cooking club reaches boiling point over some members’ lack of involvement," 9 Aug. 2019 The ingredient is good at treating malasma, acne, and rosacea, Dr. Linkner says. — Jessica Cruel, SELF, "12 Acne Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists," 8 Aug. 2019 The main ingredients are sake rice (a rice that has a much larger and starchier center than table rice), water and koji (a fungus that aids in fermentation and turns the starch in the rice into sugar). — Jenn Harrisstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "A complete guide to sake from the sake guru at Ototo," 8 Aug. 2019 The core ingredients are onion, plantain and chicken broth. — Anastasia Miari, 1843, "Magic grannies are stopping Cuba going hungry," 7 Aug. 2019 The ingredients are all there, awaiting an animating fire. — Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Kitchen': Film Review," 7 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-ˈgrē-dē-ənt 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-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt 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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