Thesaurus results for INSTRUMENT

Q: How is the word 'instrument' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of instrument are appliance , implement , tool , and utensil . While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. // the dentist's instruments

Q: When can 'appliance' be used instead of 'instrument'?

The words appliance and instrument can be used in similar contexts, but appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. // household appliances

Q: When could 'implement' be used to replace 'instrument'?

While the synonyms implement and instrument are close in meaning, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. // crude stone implements // farm implements

Q: How are the words 'tool' and 'implement' related as synonyms of 'instrument'?

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

Q: When is 'utensil' a more appropriate choice than 'instrument'?

The synonyms utensil and instrument are sometimes interchangeable, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. // kitchen utensils

instrument

noun

ˈin(t)-strə-mənt

Definition of instrument next

as in certificate

a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something a valid will is a legal instrument

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in tool

an article intended for use in work always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in instrumentality

something used to achieve an end he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another the claim that the scientists are mere instruments of the tobacco companies, who pay them to produce findings that are highly suspect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of instrument are appliance, implement, tool, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

When can appliance be used instead of instrument?

The words appliance and instrument can be used in similar contexts, but appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

When could implement be used to replace instrument?

While the synonyms implement and instrument are close in meaning, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

How are the words tool and implement related as synonyms of instrument?

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 utensil a more appropriate choice than instrument?

The synonyms utensil and instrument are sometimes interchangeable, 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 instrument The group presents a wide variety of instruments and invites the audience to experience various aspects of Ghanaian music and culture. —

Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Musicians losing instruments, to me that’s particularly painful. —

Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025 But convincing the United States to sign and ratify this panoply of international instruments might be plausible. —

Jorge G. CastaÑeda, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025 The treatment began with a healing ceremony in the spa’s lush outdoor lounge, where a small orchestra of local instruments re-created the sounds of the jungle, complete with jaguar screams. —

Brittani Sonnenberg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instrument

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument

Noun

The deadline to receive items aside from the digital certificate by Valentine's Day has passed.

— Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Awaiting them is a tiny flag, a certificate of naturalization, and a hearty handshake from Tom Farrish, the great grandson of an immigrant from Ukraine.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2025