paraphernalia

noun

ˌper-ə-fər-ˈnāl-yə How to pronounce paraphernalia (audio)
Definition of paraphernalianext
1
as in equipment
items needed for the performance of a task or activity mountain-climbing paraphernalia

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in possession
transportable items that one owns packed up all of their paraphernalia for the move across the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 paraphernalia During a search of the motel room, officers reportedly recovered two cellphones, two tablets and drug paraphernalia. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 What Scorsese’s film doesn’t show, however, is that one of Belfort’s fellow inmates was Tommy Chong of Cheech & Chong fame, who was serving a nine-month sentence for conspiring to sell drug paraphernalia. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026 The passenger in the Camry, identified as 28-year-old Rebecca Lindblom of Stafford, was also placed under arrest and charged with use of drug paraphernalia and interfering with an officer. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Police in the town of Daphne arrested Gillum, 46, on Thursday on charges of possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana possession, according to Baldwin County jail records. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paraphernalia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paraphernalia
  1. equipment
  2. possession
  3. gear
  4. things
  5. apparatus
  6. belongings
  7. stuff
Noun
  • Drivers should pay extra attention while passing through work zones and be aware of all workers and repair equipment.
    — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This year police are hoping to procure about $186,000 worth of equipment.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of equipment
Noun
  • Kaine Burnette, 17, surrendered Friday at the Fulton County Jail on charges of reckless conduct, possession of a pistol under the age of 18 and discharging a weapon near a street, officials said.
    — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Consumers speak less about possession and more about experience.
    — Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of possession
Noun
  • To what degree Reid engages those gears, and any other brewing secret sauce, will be a matter looming over camp and the early part of the season, in particular.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Attacks on humans by great barracudas are rare and often occur when the fish mistakes a shiny object, such as diving gear, for prey, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of gear
Noun
  • The service Casually buttoned-up and (like many other things at this property) classic New York, with concierge and servers always ready to lend a hand—but without fussing over anything.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Is this the same Panthea who hates anyone fake or putting things on?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • In other words, the profession has built an apparatus whose explicit purpose is to make every auditor’s work converge on a single standard.
    — Amir Tarighat, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Vivas, speaking to Cadena SER, said arrivals from across Morocco have overwhelmed the city’s social services and security apparatuses over the past few days, with more than 300 people per day.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 31 July 2026
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • The group later went to a hotel, where Gutierrez Molina and his coworker were allegedly drugged before their belongings were stolen and their financial accounts were accessed, the outlet reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Several volunteers spent Tuesday morning helping residents pack their belongings and relocate.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of belongings
Noun
  • Ryan, who made four major-league starts in 2024, has the stuff to compete in the majors, but health has kept him from another call-up.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • One industry consultant believes news shows ought to embrace such stuff — and with more speed.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of stuff

Browse Nearby Words

parapets
paraphernalia
paraphrase
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Cite this Entry

“Paraphernalia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paraphernalia. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paraphernalia

Nglish: Translation of paraphernalia for Spanish Speakers

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