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

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 appliance Electricity demand is surging globally and in the U.S. due to the electrification of more appliances and home heating, the switch to EVs and the booming growth of power-hungry data centers. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 An warm, open lounge area and dining room sit off the crisp-white chef’s kitchen spotlighted by marble countertops, a center island with counter seating, shiplap walls and high-end stainless steel appliances. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2025 As for the cooling setting, this is a great option because the Dyson appliance only circulates purified air using HEPA filtration throughout your whole room. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025 On the content-side, Mattison noted that metadata tagging has grown so sophisticated that ads can be tailored to individual scenes within a show: If a scene is set in a kitchen, for example, the subsequent ad break might feature one of the appliances in the room. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appliance
Noun
  • Avoid piling clothes, gadgets or paperwork around your bed.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Mainstream gadgets getting elusive Even people with broader, more mainstream tech interests see tariffs impacting their options.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The classic Birk marries a cowboy boot (another very of the moment accessory) with this chic pair of sandals.
    Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Grab some grill accessories on sale under $15 below.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In practice, however, Americans who don’t have retirement savings options at work aren’t likely to take the initiative on their own.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Participants can choose from three options based on ability and fitness level.
    Debby Rice, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Appliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appliance. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appliance

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