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
Relevance
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
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 instruments
The group will highlight stories and histories from the United States and Central and South America as told through musical repertoire and historic instruments.
—
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Kamai trains in celestial navigation, using the stars, winds and waves to traverse the ocean without modern instruments.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The Dragon Lady can be sent aloft and short notice loaded with cameras and instruments suited for the mission and a pilot who can make decisions on the spot.
—David Szondy
march 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Many of the Guards’ main instruments of economic power were granted during this succession period in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
The instruments used to make antimatter create interference that hinders its study.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
And, in a throwback to his 1970 solo debut, McCartney and its 1980s sequel, McCartney II, the upcoming LP is credited solely to McCartney, who played the majority of the instruments on the album.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 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, 22 Mar. 2026
Frank’s musical vocabulary, especially as instruments like harp, xylophone and mariarchi-like brass are added, is frequently transfixing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Kamai trains in celestial navigation, using the stars, winds and waves to traverse the ocean without modern instruments.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The Dragon Lady can be sent aloft and short notice loaded with cameras and instruments suited for the mission and a pilot who can make decisions on the spot.
—David Szondy
march 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Many of the Guards’ main instruments of economic power were granted during this succession period in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
The instruments used to make antimatter create interference that hinders its study.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
And, in a throwback to his 1970 solo debut, McCartney and its 1980s sequel, McCartney II, the upcoming LP is credited solely to McCartney, who played the majority of the instruments on the album.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 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, 22 Mar. 2026
Frank’s musical vocabulary, especially as instruments like harp, xylophone and mariarchi-like brass are added, is frequently transfixing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruments
Noun
-
Birth certificates are not always readily available either.—
Delmarie Alicea,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
-
BridgeDetroit reviewed 344 pollution control tax exemption certificates that manufacturers applied for since 2015 and analyzed exemptions for nearly $9 billion of equipment and property meant to curb pollution.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Perhaps most striking were allegations that Navarro bought silicone pregnancy props and tracking devices.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Designed for modern professionals, this sleek backpack features anti-theft design elements to keep laptops and other devices extra secure.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The company will use third-party tools for verification.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On top of that, many reputable retailers can provide certifications by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), proving their trustworthiness.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The use of emergency certifications, shortened timelines, and limits on testimony all move us further away from the open and transparent government our residents deserve.—
State Sen. Tony Hwang,
Hartford Courant,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The storm blasted down riverbeds, blew out bridges and roads and swallowed vehicles.—
Matt Gutman,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Our job is to educate those people about how they’re being pushed around like pawns.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The wooden board is fabricated from curly maple and the knights, pawns, bishops and queens — all positioned as if a game has begun — are made of ceramics.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The term includes everyone from star kids to newbies with limited means.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined the fire was started by human means in the boiler room, Pekara said.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Congress’s February efforts to resolve the shutdown were complicated by the lawless ICE campaign in Minneapolis, where federal agents killed two American citizens during a brutal crackdown on protests.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Keep Air Travel Safe Act, filed in October, extended the protection to Transportation Security Administration agents.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instruments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruments. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
