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 An investigation revealed the suspect was under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 When a friend was unable to reach Goldstein before a flight to a gig in Las Vegas, the friend called 911, and authorities found Goldstein in his bed with drug paraphernalia nearby. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 Officers said fraudulent documents, along with narcotics, drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition were also found. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 While taking him into custody, cops allegedly found cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia and $2,7000 cash inside his car. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 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
  • Cellphones – the kind used to actually talk to people rather than text and post to social media – weren’t mandatory personal equipment yet, though various personalities involved at the time had them.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • And then there are other equipment ideas that aren’t as far along, inspired by Coke’s desire to branch out into dirty soda, refreshers and coffee.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of equipment
Noun
  • By then Arsenal were cruising, thanks to an hour of crisp passing and progressive possession punctuated by goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Fulton was able to run out the on its final possession to secure the win.
    — Felipe Gamino, Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of possession
Noun
  • Target is already staking its claim with a large array of emerging grooming brands in all stores plus high-end gear like Uppababy, Doona and Stokke in 200 Baby Boutiques.
    — Faye Brookman, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Then the Cavaliers rediscovered their championship gear, outscoring the Terrors 36-0 in the second half for a dominant 49-22 victory.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of gear
Noun
  • When those things do start happening, the scares are every bit as effective as the buildup promises.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • However, Heaika expects some things in return and isn’t happy to see Ejva fall for his cousin.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • The outlet, which receives about 65% of its funding through the Defense Department, has long prided itself on its editorial independence from the public affairs apparatus at the Pentagon.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the apparatus creates its cleaning plasma from the spacecraft’s own air and water vapor.
    — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • However, instead of just suitcases, the 31-year-old packed her belongings into a mixture of bags and trash bags.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of belongings
Noun
  • The comment cards and all that stuff is very challenging, and then people weaponize that in different ways.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Lynch’s massive draft whiffs feel like harmless clerical rounding errors next to his good work in handling all the off-the-field stuff that lands on his desk.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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