as in musician
a person who plays a musical instrument
he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instrumentalist
Since Chuck Berry’s first hits, rock’s most famous instrumentalists have been lead guitarists, who step out in front of the band with flashy solos.
—
David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Jeff Buckley initially focused all his energy on guitar, becoming an acclaimed instrumentalist.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
British music producer and instrumentalist Dave Ball, best known as one half of the pioneering synth-pop duo Soft Cell, has died.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The Format consist of lead singer Nate Ruess and instrumentalist Sam Means.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumentalist
David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Jeff Buckley initially focused all his energy on guitar, becoming an acclaimed instrumentalist.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
British music producer and instrumentalist Dave Ball, best known as one half of the pioneering synth-pop duo Soft Cell, has died.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The Format consist of lead singer Nate Ruess and instrumentalist Sam Means.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumentalist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumentalist
Noun
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The Country Joe and the Fish frontman bridged psychedelic rock with biting political satire, pioneering a template for activist musicians.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Last month, musician Nicki Minaj and X owner Elon Musk asked their followers on X to ask their senators to vote for the SAVE Act.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The center hosts exhibitions, educational opportunities, and workshops, and many artists show and sell their work in local village galleries.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Once leasing begins, the apartments will be listed through the city's affordable housing portal, DAHLIA, where applicants with artist certification will be able to apply.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lewis is a performer whose career has always carried an edge of theatrical intensity, and placing her inside this particular production marks a fascinating collision of sensibilities.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Ingrid Andress, Geordie Greep, rising Atlanta pop-punk band the Paradox, and Latin pop performer EMJAY bring the overall headcount to more than 1,000 acts playing seven straight nights across Austin’s clubs and venues.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instrumentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumentalist. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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