mechanism

noun

Definition of mechanismnext
1
as in apparatus
a mechanical part or group of parts used to perform a specific task The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed.

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2
as in system
a series of actions used to achieve an end She was stunned to learn that there was no mechanism in place to remedy the problem.

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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 mechanism That core body temp drop and melatonin bump are the actual mechanisms your tracker is picking up when readiness scores climb. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Heated grips come as standard, while a reversible gearshift mechanism allows riders to switch to a race-style reverse shifting pattern for circuit use. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 Pathogens and mechanisms of infection Different pathogens rely on different forms of transmission. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 For a long time, schools just ignored it because there wasn’t a clear enforcement mechanism. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
  1. apparatus
  2. system
  3. device
  4. method
  5. machine
  6. process
  7. tool
  8. procedure
Noun
  • Hometown The Hometown Fire Protection District is also considering a rate increase to address outdated infrastructure, replace old apparatuses and address staff wages.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • On the campaign trail, Mamdani pledged a transformation of the city’s public safety apparatus.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • Highfill maintains a covenant requiring utility rates to generate net revenues equal to at least 110% of maximum annual debt service on outstanding system bonds.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • These developments support the modernization of renewable energy systems and help drive national carbon-reduction goals.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of system
Noun
  • Printing these flexible devices requires depositing two layers at once.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Those links could expose personal information or compromise devices.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of device
Noun
  • Such a process could potentially improve lithium recovery from underground brines while reducing the chemical demands of conventional separation methods.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Still, something unexpected may force you to try a different method, schedule, or approach that ends up working better.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of method
Noun
  • The gym is a beautiful, modern space with plenty of machines, exercise balls, and room to stretch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Normal gym etiquette is to refrain from taking up time on machines when the place is busy.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of machine
Noun
  • If the goal is to harness the process powering our nearest star, why does the fuel needs to become so much hotter?
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opened at the end of September in South Los Angeles, after a more than eight-year construction process and failed attempts by the Star Wars creator who funded it to site it in Chicago or San Francisco.
    — Nicholas Clairmont, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of process
Noun
  • But the list did not include Social Security numbers or other high-level identifying information, so analysts used the public records research tool LexisNexis to further identify people on the list.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The rules ban companion chatbots and require parental opt-in — not just an opt-out option — for direct student use of AI tools.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of tool
Noun
  • As part of the agreement, the social media giant agreed to block some digital beauty filters for minors — specifically those mimicking extreme transformations like cosmetic procedures or heavy makeup.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Nevada Independent reports that Lombardo’s campaign has used those issues to question Ford’s fitness, while Ford says the clemency matter followed procedure and disputes the criticism.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of procedure

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Cite this Entry

“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mechanism

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