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
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
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Recent Examples of instrument
Years ago, the Voyager science and engineering teams jointly agreed on the order in which instruments would be switched off, to conserve power while preserving the most scientifically valuable capabilities.
—
Willem Marx, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Russia and China increasingly treat oil and gas flows as instruments of influence, not merely commerce.
—Gaurav Srivastava, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Luke, meanwhile, worked as a market manager at a laboratory instrument manufacturing company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Willem Marx, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Russia and China increasingly treat oil and gas flows as instruments of influence, not merely commerce.
—Gaurav Srivastava, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Luke, meanwhile, worked as a market manager at a laboratory instrument manufacturing company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
-
The state fire marshal issued a temporary certificate of occupancy the night before the meeting, giving the county two months to address a small number of fire safety issues, according the BSCC.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
When Ashley handed the fake certificate to Josh, his mind was on his own scheming.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That legislation, pending action from the governor, bans new data centers through November 2027 and creates a new state council to provide strategic input, facilitate planning considerations and evaluate policy tools to address data centers, Maine Morning Star reported.—
Kevin Hardy,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
-
For taller products, like full-size shampoo bottles or styling tools, Kinsella suggests a tiered sliding organizer with an open top to accommodate height.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 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
-
According to The Guardian, three military family advocacy organizations reported that the Marines felt like political pawns.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
-
They were used as pawns in completely unrelated political battles.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Peace Officers Standards and Training, which governs law enforcement licensing in California, is reviewing Josett's certification.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The association has partnered since 2024 with EduClasses, which has bilingual classes for food-handler certifications.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Also for the first time, players can wear data-collecting portable devices on court in order to gain information on their physical performances, tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said at a news conference on Thursday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Lee Scott Wygal Ralston, 37, is facing 32 felony counts of manufacturing a destructive device and 32 counts of possession of a destructive device.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beijing calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, Xi was cited as saying by Xinhua, while supporting all efforts conducive to restoring peace and remaining committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
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Victims are stripped of their social networks, of their means, of their access to resources like finances.—
Elliot Mann,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Without subsidies, electric vehicles have lost much of their appeal.—
Dave Trecker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The gunman was fatally shot by officers after carjacking a vehicle and leading police on a chase into the next parish, said Shreveport Police Cpl.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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