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tool

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verb

as in to drive
to travel by a motorized vehicle I spent some time tooling around town today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tool different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tool are appliance, implement, instrument, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

When is it sensible to use appliance instead of tool?

While the synonyms appliance and tool are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

In what contexts can implement take the place of tool?

In some situations, the words implement and tool are roughly equivalent. However, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements
farm implements

When is instrument a more appropriate choice than tool?

While in some cases nearly identical to tool, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

When could utensil be used to replace tool?

The words utensil and tool can be used in similar contexts, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

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 tool
Noun
The tools here are outrageously interesting, given his spectacular feel for the game as a passer and processor. Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 25 June 2025 For a new study, published on Wednesday in researchers reenacted that treacherous journey over three days on a boat constructed with stone tools from the period. Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
Verb
For example, in tooling there’s Vertex and Firebase for professional developers and Agentspace for the no-code development environment. Jason Andersen, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Duncan, who still has his hair and his wits, and tooled around behind the wheel of a PT Cruiser until a fender bender last year, was ten years old when the market crashed. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tool
Noun
  • While the price tag on the devices is modest, a tariff will add to it, and the group is looking to scale aggressively in a short period of time.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025
  • That device will operate similarly to the Meta product but better synchronize with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Immigrants and dissenters must not be used as pawns in the game of politics.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Danielle, poor damaged Danielle, couldn’t see she was being used as a pawn in Teresa’s ongoing game to retain control of the show.
    Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Just the luck of the draw, the bouncing balls, and thanks for your services, suckers….
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 12 June 2025
  • Yes, ultimately, Joe fell for the lie, but not like a sucker.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The narrative twist: the story is driven not by the characters themselves but by eight distinct emotions in their minds — comedic, romantic, bizarre, and rational.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Alvarez has been pleased with his pitch recognition, which has helped drive his walk rate and on-base percentage to career bests.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • These instruments are very good at identifying the direction of such a signal and getting rid of it.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 June 2025
  • In a public event on Monday, June 23, the astronomers who operate the powerful observatory released Rubin's debut images showcasing just exactly what the instrument can do.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Israeli officials have also suggested that regime change in Iran is among the goals of their war, and that Khamenei could be a target for assassination.
    Colin Meyn, The Hill, 22 June 2025
  • Countries that have managed to build their own nuclear weapons, such as North Korea, become much harder targets for attacks.
    Matthew Tostevin Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The Red Sox and Mariners motored through Thursday’s rubber match in Seattle.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025
  • Those motoring to work in a Rolls-Royce aren’t being left out, either.
    Susan Campos, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • One of the most important, if not the most important, mechanism for protecting human rights in Europe, the ECHR has come in for much criticism in recent years as it has often been seen to stay the hands of European governments looking to deport people without full due process.
    Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Some mechanisms deliver power to either your bicycle’s rear or front hub.
    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tool. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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