1
as in devices
a mechanical part or group of parts used to perform a specific task
The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed.
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in methods
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.
Related 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 mechanisms
This study presents boron isotopes as in situ tracers for studying glass dissolution mechanisms, assisting in predicting contaminant releases during waste glass-aqueous solution interactions.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
In May, the city passed new rules requiring retailers with at least 76 carts to either install theft prevention mechanisms, use security deposit devices, or enter into a cart retrieval contract that obligates proactive efforts to pick up their carts.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Doaa Albaz—Anadolu/Getty Images Anadolu via Getty Images—2025 Anadolu The absence of monitoring and enforcement mechanisms contributed to the failure of the 1993 Oslo Accords to deliver comprehensive peace.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
What remains unclear are the enforcement mechanisms and the timelines.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Aghion and Howitt studied the mechanisms behind sustained growth, including in a 1992 article that offered a complex mathematical model for creative destruction that added new aspects not included in earlier models.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
While the signing marks a symbolic step forward, the contents of the document remain undisclosed, leaving regional observers awaiting clarity on its terms and enforcement mechanisms.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Nor does the plan include any meaningful Palestinian input, either through legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people or through mechanisms to ensure the Palestinian public’s buy-in.
—Dana El Kurd, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
The findings add to a growing body of research around the biological mechanisms that turn genes on or off in the cells in the body, known as epigenetics.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
In May, the city passed new rules requiring retailers with at least 76 carts to either install theft prevention mechanisms, use security deposit devices, or enter into a cart retrieval contract that obligates proactive efforts to pick up their carts.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Doaa Albaz—Anadolu/Getty Images Anadolu via Getty Images—2025 Anadolu The absence of monitoring and enforcement mechanisms contributed to the failure of the 1993 Oslo Accords to deliver comprehensive peace.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
What remains unclear are the enforcement mechanisms and the timelines.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Aghion and Howitt studied the mechanisms behind sustained growth, including in a 1992 article that offered a complex mathematical model for creative destruction that added new aspects not included in earlier models.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
While the signing marks a symbolic step forward, the contents of the document remain undisclosed, leaving regional observers awaiting clarity on its terms and enforcement mechanisms.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Nor does the plan include any meaningful Palestinian input, either through legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people or through mechanisms to ensure the Palestinian public’s buy-in.
—Dana El Kurd, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
The findings add to a growing body of research around the biological mechanisms that turn genes on or off in the cells in the body, known as epigenetics.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanisms
Noun
-
With natural, biodegradable, and inexpensive components, such batteries could one day provide an eco-friendly alternative for powering homes or small devices without relying on toxic metals or complex supply chains.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Officials suspect that three explosive devices were dropped in the parking lot.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His methods will not be well-received, especially right away by some people.—
Alamin Yohannes,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
-
And, one assistant coach added, defenses seem to be signaling less or using more subtle methods of communication.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For almost 11 years, Chung has been collaborating with robotic systems of their own creation, as a way of better understanding and engaging with their own creativity.—
Tharin Pillay,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The 4-2-3-1 formation has been one of the most prominent systems used across Europe since the turn of the century, adopted by some of the best tacticians in modern football.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The injury took place when an apparatus used by athletes to attach warmup bands to instruments malfunctioned, according to an ESPN report.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Nelson, an accomplished heart surgeon who performed Utah's first open-heart surgery in 1955 and helped develop an artificial heart and lung apparatus, became a full-time church leader in 1984.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the future, these shape-shifting systems could be used in medicine to deliver drugs, remove toxins, or perform tiny surgical procedures inside the body.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Following a series of tests and procedures, doctors diagnosed her with unexplained infertility.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Two machines incorporated at Pintus’ request — one of them valued at more than €50,000 ($58,000; £43,000) — also played a more prominent role, allowing for exercises around muscular contractions and serving to test and measure the players’ progress.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
But the biggest card Pakistan has to play, analysts say, is access to the rare earths not controlled by China that are needed power everything from iPhones to MRI machines to the most advanced fighter jets and military weaponry.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Another business owner requested simplifying licensing processes and making renewals easier.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
-
These four are all very proud of their special status, which involves democratic processes, including members electing the club’s president, approving (or not) annual accounts, and voting on changes to club statutes at assemblies that must be held once a year.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Excel performs better with large worksheets and offers a wider range of analytical and statistical tools, including advanced charting.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Retail investors, HODLers, or less experienced investors may not utilize these tools, but that is rapidly changing.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mechanisms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanisms. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share