Definition of instrumentnext
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

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2
3
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

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

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 Though some thrift shops might accept knives as donations, Gach says some stores feel that any sharp knife or knife-like instrument could be turned into a weapon. Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 25 Jan. 2026 Shark Guitars, out of Antalya, Turkey, is the latest brand on my radar trying to shake things up with a whole new approach to the instrument. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2026 Musical hobbies that go beyond playing an instrument Picking up a new or old instrument is great, but there are loads of other ways to incorporate a love of music into your hobbies. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 This is the first speaker to feature an on-device Stem AI algorithm capable of removing vocals or instruments, without the need for cloud processing or an internet connection. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
  • The most recent inspection was on December 29, 2025, and passed with conditions for additional inspections that would be required before any Use and Occupancy certificate could be issued.
    Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The environmental certificate approval process examines new developments and their impact on water, noise and air pollution.
    Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Together, these tools create a more streamlined, precise, and safer approach to the repetitive and high-volume tasks common in large-scale data center projects.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
  • In Mendonça’s work, memory functions as a tool of defiance.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 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
  • Clinton, whose relationship with Epstein has been subject to public scrutiny, said his desire for a public hearing is out of respect for Epstein’s victims and claimed Comer, who presides over the committee, is using Clinton as a political pawn.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Government shutdowns are avoidable and harmful to families, workers, the economy and federal workers shouldn’t be pawns.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The company’s technology is already used across fashion and textiles, as well as precious metals and gemstones, and is compliant with standards including GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Electric blankets with proper certification should still be used appropriately.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Arm's chip designs power most of the world's smartphones and are increasingly used in AI data centers and edge computing devices.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Such devices generally consist of alternating layers of p- and n-type semiconductors connected in series.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Being Different means standing apart - leading on innovation and setting trends.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • As part of the litigation, Snyder-Hill and his co-plaintiffs have sought to depose Wexner and recently won court approval to subpoena him through alternative means after his attorney refused to accept service and other efforts proved futile.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • During the stop, Singh was cited for multiple vehicle infractions, including operating an unsafe commercial vehicle.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • After Pretti kicked out the taillight, the vehicle stopped, and a federal officer exited before grabbing Pretti and tackling him to the ground.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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