1
as in certificate
a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something
a valid will is a legal instrument
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instrument
The Pen-metheus looks like a basic writing instrument at first glance, albeit one made from anodized aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum instead of more commonplace plastic or steel.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
To me, there’s no greater act of sharing and love than when a musician pulls out their instrument of choice, plays a tune and invites us to pull up a chair and take it all in.
—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2026
Schmidt last year became the CEO of the rocket company Relativity Space, which won a major NASA contract this week to deliver a set of the agency’s science instruments to Mars in 2028.
—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
21 June 2026
The images came from instruments aboard the US Air Force’s Defence Meteorological Satellite Program satellites, which monitor conditions in near-Earth space.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
To me, there’s no greater act of sharing and love than when a musician pulls out their instrument of choice, plays a tune and invites us to pull up a chair and take it all in.
—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2026
Schmidt last year became the CEO of the rocket company Relativity Space, which won a major NASA contract this week to deliver a set of the agency’s science instruments to Mars in 2028.
—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
21 June 2026
The images came from instruments aboard the US Air Force’s Defence Meteorological Satellite Program satellites, which monitor conditions in near-Earth space.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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The Valley Motel was seeking to either waive a park land fee worth $123,662 or to enter into a payment plan beginning two years after receiving a certificate of occupancy.
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But short-term certificates are a much more mixed bag.
Noun
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Under them, a chatbot must not be able to interact with someone under 18 unless it is programmed against encouraging self-destructive behavior and provides parents with tools to manage the child’s use.
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Miller-Green previously spent time in the Chicago White Sox organization and attracted national attention because of his remarkable background and rare physical tools.
Noun
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Issued by the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, a state instrumentality created under the Wyoming Stable Token Act (2023), FRNT is fully reserved and managed in partnership with Franklin Templeton.
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Holding the weight of cotton’s influence on the world, and thus the instrumentality of Black labor, is painful, yet necessary work.
Noun
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Like, that is his reality and everyone else is just kind of a small pawn in it.
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Gulf governments, meanwhile, have dabbled abroad as well, while trying to address grievances among their own Shia populations to prevent them from becoming pawns of Tehran.
Noun
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Jacqueline Carlon, senior vice president of marketing and communications for AerSale, said airlines evaluating the system focus on certification, installation downtime and integration into existing operations.
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The firm said the TENER Sodium system has the same size and shape as LFP systems, so developers can use their current platforms without changing enclosures, redesigning projects, or repeating certifications.
Noun
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Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
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These devices are a direct answer to that problem.
Noun
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But that may also make Iranian oil less attractive to China, which has been buying it at a discount because Iran under sanctions has few other means to sell.
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None of these senior members of this genocidal regime are good guys, by any means.
Noun
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Police said the driver then put the vehicle back into reverse.
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So, in many places that will mean a move to renewables, especially in transportation (and) electric vehicles.
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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