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

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 instrument Its seismometer was the last active science instrument before the rover was officially retired in December 2022. —

Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Dec. 2024 Such funds invest in short-term, low-risk debt instruments. —

Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024 This woody, spicy scent pays homage to the timeless writing instrument with its black ink bottle. —

Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Authorities are looking to extradite him to New York, where the crime was committed and where he is wanted for murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instrument

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument

Noun

To fund the purchase, the government would revalue about $11 billion worth of gold certificates on the Federal Reserve’s balance sheets.

Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Tennessee's electors signed the certificate of vote, Tennessee's historical document certifying presidential election results that will be submitted to the U.S. Congress.

Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024