1
as in certificates
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 devices
an article intended for use in work
always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in instrumentalities
something used to achieve an end
he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in tools
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 instruments
Designed for spinal and orthopedic procedures, Dynamis features a multi-arm architecture that mimics human bimanual workflows, allowing surgeons to position instruments with sub-millimeter accuracy.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
The album’s maximalist approach, combining an array of live instruments, VSTs, and samplers, sometimes coheres into true jams.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
At a recent event providing health services to those affected, MusiCares says many participants shared stories of evacuating with only a few minutes notice, forcing some to leave behind their means of livelihood – instruments and studios, some of which the organization has helped to replace.
—Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Chang'e 7 features an orbiter, a lander, a rover and a mini-flying probe or hopper, which together will tote to the moon a total of 18 scientific instruments.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Among them was a mix of solo piano and group performances by percussionists, vocalists, brass instruments, string players and even electric instruments.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
And so, in many ways, Maduro doesn’t enjoy the economic instruments that Chávez had at his disposal to co-opt people.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
This is colonialism not only in political form but in practice—the transformation of land, water, and people into instruments of someone else’s security.
—Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
The album’s maximalist approach, combining an array of live instruments, VSTs, and samplers, sometimes coheres into true jams.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
At a recent event providing health services to those affected, MusiCares says many participants shared stories of evacuating with only a few minutes notice, forcing some to leave behind their means of livelihood – instruments and studios, some of which the organization has helped to replace.
—Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Chang'e 7 features an orbiter, a lander, a rover and a mini-flying probe or hopper, which together will tote to the moon a total of 18 scientific instruments.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Among them was a mix of solo piano and group performances by percussionists, vocalists, brass instruments, string players and even electric instruments.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
And so, in many ways, Maduro doesn’t enjoy the economic instruments that Chávez had at his disposal to co-opt people.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
This is colonialism not only in political form but in practice—the transformation of land, water, and people into instruments of someone else’s security.
—Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruments
Noun
-
The bar asked for three batches of documents — lawsuits, detailed descriptions of the abuse and certificates from mental health professionals, which is a requirement for older victims under state law.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
-
College officials will talk about degree programs and certificates, enrollment, scholarships, financial aid, and clubs and organizations on campus.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Federal investigators in Guam believed the devices held evidence that would help prove individuals handling the island’s Covid unemployment assistance program were part of a plot to steal funds.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
With an undeletable presence embedded in the firmware of more than 600 million enterprise devices, Absolute delivers persistent visibility, control, and auto-repair capabilities that operate even when systems fail.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Browsing gets assistant Gemini in Chrome introduces new creative tools as well.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Leadership teams are looking for the next initiative, and yet employees may be overwhelmed by a plethora of health tools, programs and perks.—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 Makes History Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 has officially become the first album in history to rack up four diamond certifications.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Court filings show that even after she was sworn in, Henderson submitted eight additional certifications around June 2021.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Martinez and another man were charged in October with assault with a deadly weapon, accused of following the agents' vehicles and initiating the collision with Exum's SUV that led to the shooting on Chicago's south side.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Lakeside's previous police chief, who also served as mayor, Robert Gordanaire, was fired after he and his daughter, the town clerk, were indicted by a grand jury for selling vehicles belonging to the town and pocketing the profit.—
Brian Maass,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In his addled mind, the millions of people in these cities who depend on federal funds for health, transit, education and whatever else are only pawns in a broader struggle to consolidate his own authority by any means necessary.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Wembanyama’s Spurs moved the first few pawns.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Being Different means standing apart - leading on innovation and setting trends.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
As part of the litigation, Snyder-Hill and his co-plaintiffs have sought to depose Wexner and recently won court approval to subpoena him through alternative means after his attorney refused to accept service and other efforts proved futile.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Widely circulated footage of the incident appears to show agents remove a gun from a scrum with Pretti before shots are fired.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Bovino claimed Jose Huerta-Chuma, who Border Patrol agents were targeting Saturday morning, had a criminal history that included domestic assault to intentionally inflict bodily harm, disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license.—
The Hill Staff,
The Hill,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instruments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruments. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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