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
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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 spacecraft’s computer, communications system and instruments all require energy to operate, so scientists are faced with a tough choice: hand select where to save power by sacrificing particular instruments or risk overdrawing the power supply and losing the whole spacecraft.
—
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
Here is the irony, though: The fiction writer’s craft, the instrument of his trade, revolves around the conjuring of untruths.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
States come and go, in other words, and their techniques and instruments may vary, but the obligation to defend and uphold Islam is constant.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Additionally, an instrument known as a Laser Retroreflector Array on the top deck of the lander will be activated.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
Here is the irony, though: The fiction writer’s craft, the instrument of his trade, revolves around the conjuring of untruths.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
States come and go, in other words, and their techniques and instruments may vary, but the obligation to defend and uphold Islam is constant.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Additionally, an instrument known as a Laser Retroreflector Array on the top deck of the lander will be activated.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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However, the Chromecast just stopped working when its certificate expired.—
Ryan Whitwam,
Ars Technica,
11 Mar. 2025
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All plans include an SSL certificate, a mobile-friendly site design, a PayPal button, a free business phone number for a year, 24/7 support, and a handful of other features.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This versatile bag also makes a thoughtful gift for any traveler, offering enough space to fit hair tools, toiletries, medication, and more.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2025
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What to watch: Scores of health tech companies now advertise tools, often driven by artificial intelligence, aimed at cutting down provider workload by automating administrative tasks.—
Maya Goldman,
Axios,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
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But the instrumentality of so many of his characters seems to have reached a nadir in The City and Its Uncertain Walls.—
Bailey Trela,
Vulture,
19 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Many consumers who currently rely on credit cards would be forced to turn elsewhere for short-term financing needs, including pawn shops, auto title lenders, or worse—such as loan sharks, unregulated online lenders, and the black market.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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As DeSantis takes the national stage, Marvin Dunn, a professor emeritus at Florida International University, said some of the most vulnerable people on campus, like Black and LGBTQ faculty and students, have become pawns in a political game.—
Sarah Blaskey,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Diamond certification is given to artists whose songs have moved 10 million units.—
Heran Mamo,
Billboard,
13 Mar. 2025
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This would be the first of two certification flights for NSSL missions required by the Space Force.—
Richard Tribou,
Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Nelson was charged with one count of malicious destruction of property, explosives or incendiary devices use, felony criminal mischief and criminal attempt to commit felonies, according to a news release from the Loveland Police Department.—
Pilar Arias,
Fox News,
4 Mar. 2025
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Please use your personal device to contact us via e-mail (tammy_kim@newyorker.com) or Signal (ID: etammykim.54).—
E. Tammy Kim,
The New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Troopers conducted an inquiry into the vehicle and learned that the registered owner was Chiulli, who was later identified as the driver as troopers followed the vehicle, according to state police.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2025
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Limited parking options: If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Tipping agent The reason the market is in a tizzy is that the tariffs could be the agent that tips the economy from a modest slowdown into a recession.—
Bob Pisani,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2025
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Many — if not most — of the people interested in buying burned lots have been developers, according to agents.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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