mechanism

noun

Definition of mechanismnext
1
as in apparatus
a mechanical part or group of parts used to perform a specific task The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in system
a series of actions used to achieve an end She was stunned to learn that there was no mechanism in place to remedy the problem.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 mechanism The clutch-actuation mechanism on the DCT models has been tweaked to provide smoother transitions and improved control when riding at extremely low speeds. — New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025 However, under the ICC’s withdrawal mechanism, the ICC keeps jurisdiction over crimes committed during the membership period of a state. — Zahid Mahmood, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 According to lead author Marina Blanco, this lengthening may serve as a protective mechanism against cell damage that could otherwise occur during periodic warming phases. — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025 An internal support mechanism keeps your head cradled in an ergonomic position, preventing a stiff neck. — Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
  1. apparatus
  2. system
  3. device
  4. method
  5. machine
  6. process
  7. tool
  8. procedure
Noun
  • The new order sets up the regulatory streamlining apparatus and agenda at federal agencies.
    — Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • This year, the gathering is expected to again highlight how united the political apparatus is around his vision for the future, despite the country’s economic hurdles.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • The big picture: The fires that have razed at least 170,000 acres ignited Friday are tied to the same giant storm system that brought tornadoes to the U.S. South, per Axios' Andrew Freedman.
    — Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Studying young systems like the one powering LBN 483 is vital for learning more about how stars form, beginning with a giant cloud of molecular gas that becomes destabilized, undergoes gravitational collapse and fragments into clumps, each clump being the womb of a new star system.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of system
Noun
  • These range from counseling to lifestyle changes to medications to devices to surgery.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The company is known for its Zero Trust Exchange platform, which securely connects and protects users, devices and applications from cyberattacks and data loss.
    — TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of device
Noun
  • For many Africans, living in a postcolonial con- text, militarization has been prioritized over care or harm reduction methods.
    — Edna Bonhomme, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Ferrazzi introduces methods like stress testing, where team members openly challenge ideas in a structured format to refine decision-making. Build Psychological Safety First – For negotiation to be effective, team members must feel safe voicing concerns.
    — Kwame Christian, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of method
Noun
  • The machines were part of a pilot program that ended earlier this year, and the state patrol is preparing its results for state lawmakers.
    — Meg Anderson, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Its value in business has long been tied to cost-savings, replacing expensive human labor with machines that can perform repetitive tasks.
    — Preetpal Singh, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of machine
Noun
  • Strickland’s research focuses on detecting whether LLMs can infer details about their own training process, constraints, and objectives simply from patterns in their training data.
    — Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This detailed breakdown explains the process of a change-of-address scam, from initial targeting to the potential consequences and warning signs to watch for.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of process
Noun
  • While misinformation and distortion of facts become tools of manipulation, documentary filmmaking reminds us of the power of truth.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
  • What to watch: Scores of health tech companies now advertise tools, often driven by artificial intelligence, aimed at cutting down provider workload by automating administrative tasks.
    — Maya Goldman, Axios, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of tool
Noun
  • Biodynamics is also proactive and adopts a similar mindset of working with the land, however, it is based on a specific set of ideas, and a fairly rigid procedure that has not been updated in 100 years.
    — John Mariani, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Arakawa had brought the kelpie mix named Zinna home from a veterinary hospital on Feb. 9 after a procedure, Mendoza said.
    — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of procedure

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Cite this Entry

“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mechanism

Nglish: Translation of mechanism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mechanism

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