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
Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday noted that asset prices, a category that typically includes stocks and other risk instruments, are at elevated levels.
—
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025
The mission concluded that Venezuela’s courts and prosecutors have abandoned any semblance of independence, functioning instead as instruments of political persecution.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
The YouTuber preps the helicopter, checks the instruments, and takes off, enjoying the freedom of ultralight flight while relying on just a few controls.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
The Doodle also showcases iconic salsa instruments such as the piano, conga, trombone, clave, and güiro.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2025
The clinic reduces the risk of scars to almost zero with the microsurgical instruments used in this process.
—Wyles Daniel, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The payload of the Perseverance rover was selected with a Mars sample return effort in mind; the idea was for our payload to get us just up to the potential biosignature designation and have the rest of the story told by instruments here on Earth.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The aim is to ensure these instruments act as payment tools rather than investment products, and to protect bank deposits.
—Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
With that kind of narrowing, nuclear clocks are projected to surpass atomic clocks as the most sensitive instruments for probing ultralight dark matter.
—New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2025
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025
The mission concluded that Venezuela’s courts and prosecutors have abandoned any semblance of independence, functioning instead as instruments of political persecution.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
The YouTuber preps the helicopter, checks the instruments, and takes off, enjoying the freedom of ultralight flight while relying on just a few controls.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
The Doodle also showcases iconic salsa instruments such as the piano, conga, trombone, clave, and güiro.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2025
The clinic reduces the risk of scars to almost zero with the microsurgical instruments used in this process.
—Wyles Daniel, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The payload of the Perseverance rover was selected with a Mars sample return effort in mind; the idea was for our payload to get us just up to the potential biosignature designation and have the rest of the story told by instruments here on Earth.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The aim is to ensure these instruments act as payment tools rather than investment products, and to protect bank deposits.
—Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
With that kind of narrowing, nuclear clocks are projected to surpass atomic clocks as the most sensitive instruments for probing ultralight dark matter.
—New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruments
Noun
-
Some wore suits, others high heels, and nearly all carried small binders with resumes, certificates and diplomas.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Several training certificates from various institutions.—
Anita Gosch,
Oc Register,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Researchers at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science have created two prototype devices that demonstrate what’s possible.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The Russian devices can disrupt satellite operations, blind satellites, manipulate or kinetically destroy them, Pistorius said, according to Reuters.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
To help prevent power outages, utilities should be deploying artificial intelligence tools to analyze power supply and improve efficiency without placing additional pressures on the grid.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Accessorizing with a belt goes beyond aesthetic enrichment; belts are tools to bring structure and shape to any outfit.—
Abbey Hudetz,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Further certifications can be expected in the next few months with final trials on the Fujian’s ability to integrate with the PLA Air Force and Rocket Force likely to come next spring, Schuster said.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Solidaridad reports just 35 out of 100 companies provide detailed information on the breakdowns of their cotton certifications, and only 29 disclosed the total amount of cotton in their supply chain.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This all but precludes a cargo mission to the International Space Station, which is scheduled to be deorbited in 2030, and presently has two more-than-capable supply vehicles with SpaceX's Dragon and Northrop's new, larger Cygnus.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The shooter was just shooting at random vehicles inside.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
His congressional pawns could have passed a law outlawing ridicule of the president.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Missing pawns, cracked hourglass timers, and flimsy boxes have a way of sneaking up on you.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The hijacking of the sport and the community institutions that built it, by noxious forces using it for their own means.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Explaining banknotes’ appeal, the European Central Bank study says that in moments of acute stress the public sees cash as a reliable store of value and a resilient means of payment.—
Olesya Dmitracova,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Are immigration agents catching 'the worst of the worst'?—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Evidence indicates that Jahn was targeting ICE agents, but ended up killing one detainee and critically injuring two others, investigators said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instruments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruments. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share