Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of appliance are implement, instrument, tool, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

When is implement a more appropriate choice than appliance?

In some situations, the words implement and appliance are roughly equivalent. However, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements
farm implements

When can instrument be used instead of appliance?

Although the words instrument and appliance have much in common, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

How do tool and implement relate to one another, in the sense of appliance?

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 would utensil be a good substitute for appliance?

While the synonyms utensil and appliance are close in meaning, utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples 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 appliance Shoppers unable to afford iPhones and kitchen appliances in Argentina arrive at Chilean border towns by the busload to get the most bang from their buck. Isabel Debre, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024 Blanching can be done in the microwave, but it isn't recommended because results can be uneven, and cooking time varies by appliance. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024 Security footage captured the athletes loading the appliances into their vehicles on Monday, Nov. 11, KSL News Radio reported. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 Score cookware, small appliances, and more from KitchenAid, Black and Decker, and Hamilton Beach. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for appliance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appliance
Noun
  • Hackers use a variety of methods to turn your gadgets into botnet zombies.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Watch Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas on Disney+ 8-Bit Christmas If the latest and greatest game or gadget tops your child's wish list, then 8-Bit Christmas (2021) is the film for you!
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The greatness of her accessory boils down to its size, which wasn’t as Mary Poppins-esque as a tote bag or as squished as a tiny wallet purse.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Party on Top, Sleek on the Bottom Let this stunning Ulla Johnson tank be the star of the show by pairing it will a full midi skirt and festive, but not fussy, accessories.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • How to Enable a VPN Kill Switch The kill switch option in Proton VPN.
    David Nield, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This significant performance gap between the two drivers has prompted Red Bull to consider alternative options for their driver lineup.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near appliance

Cite this Entry

“Appliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appliance. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on appliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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