Synonyms of tool

tool 1 of 2

noun

ˈtül 

1

as in device

an article intended for use in work

needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• device
• instrument
• mechanism
• implement
• gadget
• utensil
• apparatus
• accessory
• appliance
• contraption
• gizmo
• appendage
• attachment
• adjunct
• contrivance
• jigger
• accoutrement

2

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another

a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pawn
• instrument
• sucker
• minion
• victim
• puppet
• lay figure
• cat's-paw
• foil
• dupe
• chump
• gull
• stooge
• yes-man
• lapdog

3

as in sucker

one who is easily deceived or cheated

you're just a pathetic tool of the advertising industry if you believe everything you see in TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sucker
• target
• victim
• patsy
• dupe
• soft touch
• chump
• pigeon
• gull
• sap
• fool
• pushover
• loser
• mug
• butt
• mock
• monkey
• idiot
• mockery
• moron
• mark
• goose
• laughingstock
• dummy
• cat's-paw
• schlemiel
• derision
• turkey
• booby
• jackass
• simpleton
• simp
• blockhead
• dope
• imbecile
• dumbbell
• dolt
• dodo
• dunce
• ninny
• nincompoop
• nitwit
• yo-yo
• schnook
• schlub
• half-wit
• schlump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shark
• sharper
• cheat
• trickster
• cheater
• confidence man
• slicker
• dodger
• swindler
• cozener
• defrauder
• hoaxer

tool

2 of 2

verb

as in to drive

to travel by a motorized vehicle

I spent some time tooling around town today

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drive
• motor
• automobile
• race
• ride
• wheel
• taxi
• hack
• drag
• roll
• chauffeur
• joyride

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

Recent Examples of tool

Noun

Keep scrolling to see more of our favorite nail care tools at Amazon under $25. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Chris Williams planned to assist Fincke and Cardman in suiting up and preparing the tools and equipment that would be needed outside the space station. —William Harwood, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Verb

In the 1960s, Jay Sebring made a giant leap from middle-class Michigan boy and Navy veteran to stylist to the stars, tooling around Hollywood in his Shelby Cobra convertible and jetting off to cut the hair of Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra and more. —Susan Young, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

Guests staying at the Beach Club have indulgent perks like a complimentary 15-minute ride on the adorable Sorbetto Fiat boat that tools around Lake Boca. —Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025