as in musicians
a person who plays a musical instrument
he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 instrumentalists
On Saturday there were nearly 400 student instrumentalists and vocalists one time or another on stage at Disney, members of a large symphony orchestra, a concert orchestra, a big band, a mariachi ensemble and the Titan Banda Oaxaquena.
—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Asake’s last live outing in North America was his Red Bull Symphonic concert, which transformed many of his fan favorites into reworked orchestral versions backed by classical instrumentalists and Nigerian talking drummers alike.
—
Emanuel Okusanya,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White, the remaining instrumentalists from Yes’ classic ’70s era, contributed little more than scaffolding beneath Horn’s whizbangs.
—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
9 May 2026
Community members of all ages are invited to participate as soloists, duets, small groups or instrumentalists.
—
Ramona Sentinel,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
The latter features performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists and other creators actively working in the recording industry.
—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Feb. 2026
Among thrash metal’s Big Four, which includes Metallica, Megadeth Slayer, and Anthrax, Megadeth have always stood out for having superb instrumentalists throughout its career.
—
Quentin Thane Singer,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
The nonprofit's competitions are open to junior, intermediate and advanced levels for instrumentalists, vocalists, duets and chamber ensembles.
—
Beth Reese Cravey,
Florida Times-Union,
20 Jan. 2026
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
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Asake’s last live outing in North America was his Red Bull Symphonic concert, which transformed many of his fan favorites into reworked orchestral versions backed by classical instrumentalists and Nigerian talking drummers alike.
—
Emanuel Okusanya,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White, the remaining instrumentalists from Yes’ classic ’70s era, contributed little more than scaffolding beneath Horn’s whizbangs.
—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
9 May 2026
Community members of all ages are invited to participate as soloists, duets, small groups or instrumentalists.
—
Ramona Sentinel,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
The latter features performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists and other creators actively working in the recording industry.
—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Feb. 2026
Among thrash metal’s Big Four, which includes Metallica, Megadeth Slayer, and Anthrax, Megadeth have always stood out for having superb instrumentalists throughout its career.
—
Quentin Thane Singer,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
The nonprofit's competitions are open to junior, intermediate and advanced levels for instrumentalists, vocalists, duets and chamber ensembles.
—
Beth Reese Cravey,
Florida Times-Union,
20 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumentalists
Noun
-
Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.
-
On the opposite side of the lobby is SparkHouse, a private members club and creative hub for up-and-coming musicians and creatives.
Noun
-
Many artists have featured the phrase on social media, turning it into an unofficial campaign to support Mexico.
-
Along with performances from artists spanning country, pop and R&B, viewers can experience a massive fireworks and drone show choreographed to a live score by the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony.
Noun
-
Alaska, Hawaiian are consistent performers The AQR also singled out Alaska Airlines as the steadiest performer in the industry.
Cite this Entry
“Instrumentalists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumentalists. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
