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 Those categories are apparel, footwear, furniture, household appliances, travel goods, and toys. Melissa Repko,gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024 The campaign was surprisingly well resourced, exploiting multiple zero-day vulnerabilities the hackers appeared to have discovered in Sophos appliances. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 Their lights, appliances, and everything else are almost fully powered via the solar panels on the garage roof. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024 Spencer Platt | Getty Images Former President Donald Trump’s universal tariff proposals could cause prices to skyrocket on clothing, toys, furniture, household appliances, footwear and travel goods, according to a new report from the National Retail Federation. Annie Nova,rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for appliance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appliance
Noun
  • Kodak Mobile Film Scanner Amazon 10 Kodak Mobile Film Scanner $35 Amazon $35 Nordstrom The family archivist will appreciate this handy little gadget, which scans old negatives and saves them straight to your giftee’s iPhone or Android.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Last year the agency also launched a podcast called CISA Live, whose monthly episodes offer the same message alongside discussions of Chinese cyber threats and advice on what gadgets to buy as gifts for the holidays.
    Simon Shuster, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • For many, the holidays are the most joyful time of the year, and there is no better way to celebrate than with jewelry and accessories inspired by the happiest place on earth.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The New York store will retail across two levels and will feature over 5,000 Princess Polly styles, including apparel, footwear and accessories.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The company continues to explore potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions and strategic options involving its subsidiaries.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • One option is via Trump’s appointees to the Food and Drug Administration.
    Randi Richardson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near appliance

Cite this Entry

“Appliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appliance. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on appliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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