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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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.
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 mechanism
Many birth control methods combine two or three of these mechanisms to help prevent pregnancy.4
For pregnancy to happen, your ovaries must first release a mature egg into a fallopian tube.
—
Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
Yet oil fires set by Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, and recent environmental damage in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine and Syria indicate the limits of relying on treaties when there are no strong mechanisms to ensure compliance.
—Pamela McElwee, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025
Parallel processing of past and future memories through reactivation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms during sleep
Cleveland Clinic.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Trump’s Comments Raise Legal Alarms Domestically, the mechanisms of deportation or the state punishing its enemies are unlikely to stop with Venezuelans or advocates of a Palestinian state, since the mechanism of power is based on paranoia, with one threat metastasizing and expanding.
—Viet Thanh Nguyễn, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
Yet oil fires set by Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, and recent environmental damage in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine and Syria indicate the limits of relying on treaties when there are no strong mechanisms to ensure compliance.
—Pamela McElwee, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025
Parallel processing of past and future memories through reactivation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms during sleep
Cleveland Clinic.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Trump’s Comments Raise Legal Alarms Domestically, the mechanisms of deportation or the state punishing its enemies are unlikely to stop with Venezuelans or advocates of a Palestinian state, since the mechanism of power is based on paranoia, with one threat metastasizing and expanding.
—Viet Thanh Nguyễn, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
Noun
-
This statement was a reference to Amir Jadidi (the lead actor in A Hero), who had also played in another film that was pure government propaganda — a project that had been very openly and directly funded and produced by the security apparatus of the Islamic Republic.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
Syria’s new leaders have struggled to integrate the complex web of armed groups operating across the country into the new state apparatus.—
Euan Ward,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Who’s going to play their own system and try to get more comfortable, get more wins and sacrifice your body for your teammates?—
Cory Lavalette,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
However, this essential skill remains largely absent from our educational systems and the narrative at large.—
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
Time,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
The highest tier, which is $20.99 a month, includes the ability to stream on four devices and offers 4K Ultra HD video quality and 100 downloads.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
-
Scientists recommend using all filters and parental controls with those devices and apps.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Use strong authentication methods for the Kubernetes API to help prevent attackers from gaining access to the cluster even if valid credentials such as kubeconfig are obtained.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Suitable for all skin types, these double-sided pads act as both a hydration and brightening boost as well as a gentle method of exfoliation.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This would require innovative technologies and a machine learning model that could understand the consumer’s buying history and preferences with more nuance than existing models.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
-
However, achieving automation and connectivity between disparate machines, systems and factory locations will first require a holistic data foundation.—
Marco Santos,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The process of selecting a new pope involves a papal conclave, a private election held behind closed doors of Vatican City's Sistine Chapel where 135 cardinals vote on who will serve as the next the head of the Catholic Church.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
-
For Filipp, the process of selecting each dress doesn't include asking for elaborate hints or suggestions.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
This easy-to-maneuver tool (gently) blasts water between your teeth to clear away plaque and lingering food, levaing your mouth feel extra fresh and your hygenist impressed.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
8 May 2025
-
General Catalyst, a venture capital firm, has a varied portfolio that also includes cosmetics company Beauty Pie, image software company Canva and online travel search tool Kayak, among others.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Virginia Tech: Starter Kyron Drones underwent an undisclosed medical procedure that kept him out for the latter part of spring practice.—
Antonio Morales,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
The policy includes procedures to address questions of eligibility.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share