factor

noun

ˈfak-tər How to pronounce factor (audio)
Definition of factornext
1
as in delegate
a person who acts or does business for another at the auction the high bidder for the painting was actually a factor for a wealthy art collector

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in component
one of the parts that make up a whole price was only one factor in my decision to buy the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 factor Climate change was considered a factor in the 2021 Marshall Fire that destroyed Somauroo’s home, after the county's suit was originally filed. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Social setting is also only one of many factors that can affect blood glucose. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Bolen said the fire department makes staffing decisions based on factors such as unit reliability, call volume and responses in a particular jurisdiction. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026 While premiums matter, factors like formulary coverage, drug tier placement, and preferred pharmacy networks often have a greater impact on total yearly cost. — Joy Miller, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for factor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factor
  1. delegate
  2. component
  3. agent
  4. element
  5. representative
  6. ingredient
  7. deputy
  8. member
Noun
  • Most notably, the changes opened the process to greater public participation and reduced the power of party leaders to choose delegates behind closed doors.
    — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The regional government, led by the conservative People's Party, has asked the government delegate to clear the square within 48 hours before taking the matter to court.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • The component helps the interceptor identify and track the target before impact.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The consulting firm’s covert operations are just one component of a much broader Russian propaganda apparatus that also includes state media networks, official government channels, and fake personas.
    — RENÉE DIRESTA, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • My interview with Altman had been arranged weeks earlier, just as the first revelations emerged about swarms of rogue AI agents conspiring to hack websites.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Until today, human scientists have been the agents responsible for discovering cancer cures, and for doing so they (and key associates) have been showered with academic credit and awards, perhaps even a Nobel Prize.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of agent
Noun
  • One of the most jarring elements of Baird’s documentary — as with most nonfiction projects about Palestinians released in the last few years — is how much of the language featured in the film echoes the contemporary moment.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Colman was dressed in another suiting moment that incorporated casual elements like oversized jeans.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • In the records provided to Sportico, the school redacted the name and identifying details of Moore’s representative and the location where his items were sent.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • One of two PetSmart locations in southeast Folsom will close next month, a representative for the company said in an email.
    — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of representative
Noun
  • Secondly, the breakfast sandwich blended the savoriness, spiciness, and cheesiness of its ingredients perfectly.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Monster Energy said in a statement that caffeine and other drink ingredients are found in a broad range of food products.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of ingredient
Noun
  • Yellow smoke and pyrotechnics filled Folsom’s Dan Russell Rodeo Arena as deputies made their entrance, showing off armored vehicles and tactical gear while helicopters flew in formation overhead.
    — Haley Parsley October 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Last year, deputies were called to the Cheeca Lodge & Spa after a guest spotted nearly $900 in hotel splurges that had been charged to her room without her knowledge or consent, according to the sheriff’s office.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of deputy
Noun
  • If every member of the group likewise ends up with more of their picks on the slate than on the council, the group has a legitimate reason to complain.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Nikhil Basu Trivedi, cofounder of the venture firm Footwork and GPTZero’s sole outside board member before the Superhuman deal, first met Tian through the Princeton network.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of member

Phrases Containing factor

Browse Nearby Words

factoids
factor
factored (in or into)
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Cite this Entry

“Factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factor. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on factor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about factor

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