1
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
2
as in tool
an article intended for use in work
always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end
he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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
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
Among them was a mix of solo piano and group performances by percussionists, vocalists, brass instruments, string players and even electric instruments.
—
Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
And so, in many ways, Maduro doesn’t enjoy the economic instruments that Chávez had at his disposal to co-opt people.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
The mission will carry a suite of instruments, the Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer (Lunar-VISE).
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
And so, in many ways, Maduro doesn’t enjoy the economic instruments that Chávez had at his disposal to co-opt people.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
The mission will carry a suite of instruments, the Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer (Lunar-VISE).
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
-
Enrollments in undergraduate certificate and associate degree programs both grew by about 2% in fall 2025, while enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs rose by less than 1%, the report found.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
-
And in Winnetka Heights, the neighborhood association even includes a board member who specializes in certificates of appropriateness, helping homeowners navigate preservation requirements through direct communication with City Hall.—
Gina Mayfield,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Gardening Tools Garden tools should be cleaned after every use to remove fungi, bacteria, and pests that can be transferred to healthy plants.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
-
And keep your in-flight essentials like headphones, sleep mask, e-reader, and other tech tools together in your personal item that stays with you at the seat rather than in the overhead bin.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
They are left wielding the tools of instrumentality: in-groups and cliques, buying effort through more money, coercive employment agreements and suits against whistleblowers.—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
Holding the weight of cotton’s influence on the world, and thus the instrumentality of Black labor, is painful, yet necessary work.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Under that proposal, liquor stores, vape shops, pawn shops and payday lenders would have to be 1,000 feet from an existing business of the same kind, either in a direct line or through an intersection.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
At least 200 of those phones were allegedly sold at a pawn shop.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Above all else, Gunn encourages consumers to opt for certified models, such as those with ETL or UL certifications.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Mission is contingent on successful certification of Starliner after completing Starliner-1.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The nightstand includes two power outlets and two USB connectors to closely charge your smart watch, phone, and other devices as well.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Running out of battery mid-flight means missing entertainment and the chance to use apps that help manage nervousness or track turbulence.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Manufacturers would also have to provide a means for first responders to access the car from outside when electric power is lost.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Police added that Lattimore was arrested for not telling the officer there was a gun inside the vehicle when asked.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Police located a vehicle description and license plate associated with him from a previous call for service.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
