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
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Recent Examples of mechanism
The park says safety mechanisms have performed as intended when malfunctions have happened.
—
Chad Murphy, USA Today, 24 July 2025
If there is interference, this mechanism may prevent the headrest from locking into an upright position.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
However, inconsistent enforcement mechanisms, ambiguities in the statutory language and other limitations have attracted the interest of reformers.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
In the Chicago area, the mechanisms for alerting the public vary county by county, and, in some cases, city by city.
—William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Chad Murphy, USA Today, 24 July 2025
If there is interference, this mechanism may prevent the headrest from locking into an upright position.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
However, inconsistent enforcement mechanisms, ambiguities in the statutory language and other limitations have attracted the interest of reformers.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
In the Chicago area, the mechanisms for alerting the public vary county by county, and, in some cases, city by city.
—William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
Noun
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Trump and Musk have dismembered the federal bureaucracy, but its old tendencies are still prevailing; the apparatus clings to the vendors that have delivered results.—
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
28 July 2025
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As of Sunday, Fan’s Weibo account remains active (a deactivation would be one of the first signs a performer has fallen afoul of China’s censorship apparatus) – though some posts railing against the veiled official warning have been removed.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
27 July 2025
Noun
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Even when throwing on multiple attackers to salvage matches late on, Wiegman has always had a clear system.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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Some of this is a byproduct of ideology and an independent streak – an understandable frustration that today’s systems are antiquated and in many cases broken, giving the idea of starting from scratch a romantic appeal.—
Rob Day,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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The devices are considered imperative to reactor safety, according to the Energy Education project at the University of Calgary.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
26 July 2025
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At some point, deputies sent a drone inside the home to determine if the woman was being held inside against her will, but the man attacked and broke the device, investigators said.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 July 2025
Noun
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In 2022, Ethereum replaced its old transaction validation method, proof-of-work — where armies of computers competed to solve puzzles — with proof-of-stake, where users lock up their ether as collateral to help secure the network.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
2 Aug. 2025
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The most successful method of control in small gardens is trapping, says Pierce.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Alo recommends machine washing the shirt but laying it flat to dry.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Water stood there as well as the adjacent handwash sink and by the ice machine.—
David J. Neal
August 1,
Miami Herald,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Chadha and Berges have begun discussing the screenwriting process.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
26 July 2025
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Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.—
Aaron Tolentino,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Fifty young people from Atlanta were trained in AI tools and use cases.—
John Hope Bryant,
Time,
31 July 2025
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Rather than selling ads or data, the platform will generate revenue by offering tools that facilitate connection.—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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While the visit to her home country was meant to last just 10 days, complications from a previous procedure grounded her for six months.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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