SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

Thesaurus

machinery

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of machinery

something used to achieve an end

sincerely believes that the machinery of government can be used to better people's lives

Synonyms of machinery

agency, agent, instrument, instrumentality, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle

Words Related to machinery

determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool

activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger

antecedent, cause, occasion, reason

subagency, subagent

Learn More about machinery

Dictionary: Definition of machinery Spanish Central: Translation of machinery Nglish: Translation of machinery for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of machinery for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about machinery

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up machinery? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

mollycoddle

play

to treat with excessive attention

Words at Play

All the Hits

8 obscure words for bodily harm

alt-5adf93a49b0b2

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

"In point" only lives in this phrase.

alt-5adf5d017e6bf

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

Watch closely and be amazed.

alt-5ade0f1ca7a0c

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Add Diction

Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.

Play the game