Thesaurus results for INSTRUMENT

Q: How is the word 'instrument' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of instrument are appliance , implement , tool , and utensil . While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. // the dentist's instruments

Q: When can 'appliance' be used instead of 'instrument'?

The words appliance and instrument can be used in similar contexts, but appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. // household appliances

Q: When could 'implement' be used to replace 'instrument'?

While the synonyms implement and instrument are close in meaning, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. // crude stone implements // farm implements

Q: How are the words 'tool' and 'implement' related as synonyms of 'instrument'?

Tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement . // a carpenter's tools

Q: When is 'utensil' a more appropriate choice than 'instrument'?

The synonyms utensil and instrument are sometimes interchangeable, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. // kitchen utensils

instrument

noun

ˈin(t)-strə-mənt

Definition of instrument next

as in certificate

a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something a valid will is a legal instrument

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in tool

an article intended for use in work always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in instrumentality

something used to achieve an end he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another the claim that the scientists are mere instruments of the tobacco companies, who pay them to produce findings that are highly suspect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instrument different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of instrument are appliance, implement, tool, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

When can appliance be used instead of instrument?

The words appliance and instrument can be used in similar contexts, but appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

When could implement be used to replace instrument?

While the synonyms implement and instrument are close in meaning, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

How are the words tool and implement related as synonyms of instrument?

Tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

When is utensil a more appropriate choice than instrument?

The synonyms utensil and instrument are sometimes interchangeable, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

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 instrument Attendees will immerse themselves in the vibrations of various instruments like singing bowls, chimes and drums, which are crafted to promote deep relaxation and inner harmony, according to the library’s website. —

Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 For Trump, any name can become an instrument by which to exert his will upon our politics. —

Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025 Other worlds Scientists used instruments on orbiters circling Mars to zoom in on mysterious mounds on the red planet's surface. —

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 That court loss led to a sweep of new bitcoin ETFs, which ultimately proved to be the most successful category launch in the history of such instruments. —

Brady Dale, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instrument

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument

Noun

Or, donors can opt for the $35 certificate and virtual encounter with one of the cockroaches.

— Colson Thayer, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
The following year, an edict was issued obligating all airline pilots (both captain and first officer) to hold Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates, in essence increasing the minimum experience requirement for first officers from 250 to 1,500 hours of flight experience.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025