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
Only three of them consistently performed on record and in concert, but at least a dozen more were honorary members who attended formal band meetings and were granted as much say in its direction and philosophy as those who actually played the instruments.
—
Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Yet the government can still gradually erode rights, shaping citizens into compliant instruments of the state if left unchecked.
—Ken Silverstein, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Most memorable in Monterey Pop is Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze (not a euphemism) and the Who smashing their instruments.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Real wooden furniture, instruments, or other pieces are prone to warping that Orr say can definitely take place in this heat room.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Homes should be places to live, not financial instruments for Wall Street.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The next generation, however, usually has an overseas education and comfort with financial instruments.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Lee will play instruments, while Lisa Kaplan, pianist and executive director of the Grammy-winning Eighth Blackbird, will puppeteer.
—Susana Hills, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Yet the government can still gradually erode rights, shaping citizens into compliant instruments of the state if left unchecked.
—Ken Silverstein, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Most memorable in Monterey Pop is Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze (not a euphemism) and the Who smashing their instruments.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Real wooden furniture, instruments, or other pieces are prone to warping that Orr say can definitely take place in this heat room.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Homes should be places to live, not financial instruments for Wall Street.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The next generation, however, usually has an overseas education and comfort with financial instruments.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Lee will play instruments, while Lisa Kaplan, pianist and executive director of the Grammy-winning Eighth Blackbird, will puppeteer.
—Susana Hills, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruments
Noun
-
State education officials have threatened to punish districts where students stage walkouts, including investigations that could result in state takeovers, revoking teaching certificates and withholding daily attendance funding.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
These schools offer economical associate/bachelor’s degrees and important technical certificates/credentials that support the high demand industries in Texas, including jobs in technology, health care, hospitality, paraprofessional and agriculture.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In September, a swarm of Russian drones flew into Poland's airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble to intercept them and shoot down some of the devices.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The countries announced a framework for the agreement in November, saying Argentina would ease restrictions on a range of American imports, including cattle, dairy products, medicines, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and vehicles.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The story summaries above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
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Samuel Boivin | Nurphoto | Getty Images Cloudflare's stock gained 5% Wednesday after the company beat Wall Street's fourth-quarter estimates and issued upbeat guidance as artificial intelligence adoption fuels demand for its networking and security tools.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
No professional credentials or certifications are required.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The company’s technology is already used across fashion and textiles, as well as precious metals and gemstones, and is compliant with standards including GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If adopted more widely, the TRV-150 could support frontline troops without adding vehicles to crowded road networks.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The vehicles were often used as taxis or for freelance businesses.—
Precious Adesina,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
During that period, NYC received 220,000 migrants — because the Republican governor of Texas wanted to cruelly use them as political pawns by sending them here.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Government shutdowns are avoidable and harmful to families, workers, the economy and federal workers shouldn’t be pawns.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The resort is not screen-free by any means, but given the abundance of activities, the natural beauty of the landscape, and the coziness of the space, very few people seemed to feel the need to be on their phones or tablets—and instead spent time connecting.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Torres has a controversial legacy in Colombia, where conservatives have long derided his decision to seek political change through violent means.—
Manuel Rueda,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Confrontations involving federal agents have routinely been captured on video from multiple angles, which later served to discount parts of the government’s narrative of events.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Democrats demanded new restrictions on federal immigration agents in exchange for voting to fund DHS after Alex Pretti was killed last month in Minneapolis.—
Riley Beggin,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instruments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruments. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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