Synonyms of appliance

appliance

noun

ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

1

as in gadget

an interesting and often novel device with a practical use

since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gadget
• tool
• accessory
• gizmo
• contraption
• mechanism
• innovation
• widget
• instrument
• jigger
• utensil
• contrivance
• gimmick
• implement
• invention
• ingenuity
• trick
• adjunct
• doohickey
• hickey
• thingamajig
• thingamabob
• dingus
• hootenanny
• thingummy
• doodad

2

as in accessory

something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment

an appliance that allows the machine to be used as a sander

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accessory
• option
• adapter
• appendage
• add-on
• attachment
• equipment
• adjunct
• additive
• accoutrement
• accompaniment
• furnishings
• enhancement
• amenity
• subsidiary
• complement
• filler
• auxiliary
• supplement
• luxury
• ornament
• appurtenances
• decoration
• adornment
• incidental
• trappings
• trimming
• nonessential
• paraphernalia
• embroidery
• extra
• garnish
• nonnecessity
• trim
• frill
• habiliment(s)
• bells and whistles
• embellishment
• doodad

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• essential
• requirement
• necessity
• requisite

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

Recent Examples of appliance

At home, a typically reliable appliance could crash out at any moment. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

The sight recalls scenes from environmental disaster movies — an otherwise emerald green surface of river thickly covered with plastic bottles, pieces of wood or furniture, rusty barrels, home appliances or even dead animals. —Eldar Emric, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Your home routine might be interrupted because of appliance breakdowns, a minor breakage or unexpected company at the door. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026

The kitchen includes Miele, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and a walk-in pantry. —Saleema Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026