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 Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a statement posted on X rejected the tariff decision as groundless, and vowed to initiate countermeasures while raise the issue within the framework of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 July 2026 Our global reach, our discovery mechanism, releasing all at once. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 16 July 2026 The idea is to be in two different cities on the same day and use that as a mechanism to help bring light to bicycling and the BMX cycling communities in key cities around the world. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 July 2026 Dishwasher detergents are low-sudsing and specially formulated to work with the appliance’s spray mechanisms and water pressure. — Martha Stewart, 15 July 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
  • England manager Thomas Tuchel apparently still has the full support of the country’s national soccer apparatus and hopes to lead the English team to the Euros in two years.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Dealmakers, as is their wont, view Letterboxd as an operation destined to be plugged into a corporate structure, either as a film marketing apparatus or a data trove to power streaming.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 July 2026
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • Jones said an increase in transfers between river systems would normally not affect the downstream communities, but potentially could in a drought.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
  • In domains where lives, safety, or significant financial outcomes are at stake, organizations need AI systems trained, validated, and measured specifically for those environments.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of system
Noun
  • In her lawsuit, Nancy Lemus alleged that on the day prior to the blast, Kelley-Eklund, 41, and Osborn, 58, responded to a call from the Santa Monica Police Department after officers found explosive devices in the garage of an apartment complex.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • Such systems could support future wireless communication technologies operating beyond today’s networks, while also enabling portable imaging devices, chemical sensing systems, industrial inspection tools, and advanced remote-sensing platforms.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
Definition of device
Noun
  • The method creates a debate over evidence rather than a debate over labels.
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Aboard is the latest next-gen RV builder to promise auto-grade components, manufacturing methods and tolerances, and its founder Jiangtao Lyu brings along over a decade of automotive experience at brands like BMW, Li Auto and Daimler.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
Definition of method
Noun
  • If not, the turnover issues could derail what has been an efficient offensive machine in Bloomington.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Lamborghini hasn’t said how much the 1-of-25 speed machine will cost, but something well north of the Revuelto’s $890,000 starting price seems likely.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
Definition of machine
Noun
  • The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether legal requirements are met, and the brothers have the option to mount legal challenges.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Arriving at their new studio, Nacksving in Gothenburg, with almost no material prepared, Åkerfeldt committed to writing his songs the night before each recording session, a process which—big surprise—backfired immediately.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
Definition of process
Noun
  • There are several other, safer ways law enforcement can prevent a vehicle from fleeing besides physically blocking its path, such as using spike strips and other tools that can deflate tires, the former chief said.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • This is a smart time to update a rate, ask for better tools, or stop absorbing costs that are not yours.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of tool
Noun
  • The revisions come after the board voted to redline its policy that outlined the rights and legal procedures of certain employees in May.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Bumila already had an internal brace procedure — a step below Tommy John surgery — in May 2025 on the same elbow.
    — Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 21 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mechanism

Nglish: Translation of mechanism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mechanism

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