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
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Recent Examples of mechanism
However, the exact mechanisms remain under investigation.
—
Victoria Corless, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Since 2017, Washington has not appointed panel members to the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, paralyzing a body that is supposed to iron out disagreements over global trade.
—Jorge G. CastaÑeda, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025
This Hakko model is a great option that should last you for all of your crafting days, with an easy-to-operate digital control mechanism.
—Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
This is basically a mechanism where methyl groups are added to segments of DNA, essentially turning a gene on or off.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mechanism 
Victoria Corless, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Since 2017, Washington has not appointed panel members to the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, paralyzing a body that is supposed to iron out disagreements over global trade.
—Jorge G. CastaÑeda, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025
This Hakko model is a great option that should last you for all of your crafting days, with an easy-to-operate digital control mechanism.
—Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
This is basically a mechanism where methyl groups are added to segments of DNA, essentially turning a gene on or off.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
Noun
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With Vance’s legislative leadership, Burch’s political advocacy, and a wide-reaching conservative media apparatus, this reimagined Catholic right has strengthened in just a few years.—
Liam Adams,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
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Investigators believe that the suspect constructed an apparatus that fired some type of projectile that caused the injury, police said.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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New acquisitions struggled to embrace Nancy’s system to the same extent, leaving the Crew vulnerable for a first-round upset in the 2024 playoffs against the New York Red Bulls.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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This tidy system of renewable-energy production isn’t scalable.—
Hannah Kirshner,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The update would follow the late-January release of iOS 18.3, which included Apple Intelligence notifications and new Visual Intelligence options, like the ability to add an event to a device's calendar by scanning a poster.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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This makes an awesome gift for any Apple device user who has cords and charging docks littering their nightstand.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In a method dressing moment, the star wore a glittering spiderweb gown and changed into a jumpsuit of the same design for the afterparty.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
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Urban farmers cultivate crops in urban environments using innovative methods like hydroponics, vertical farming and rooftop gardens, contributing to local food security and environmental sustainability.—
Marco Buscaglia,
Boston Herald,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These machines are still made with metal baskets and other easy-to-replace parts that have been stocked for years.—
Parker Hall,
WIRED,
2 Feb. 2025
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Towns got switched onto him — a 7-footer trying to guard a 6-4 scoring machine on the perimeter.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With that being said, there are other teams that are working through the free-agent process perhaps and there could be some opportunities to have dialogue.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool when building a resume.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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The online platform has become a tool for those who buy movies.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Also only eight of the 10 teams are guaranteed state playoff games, so a tiebreaker procedure is in place, starting with wins/losses in the pool, then head-to-head matchups.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2025
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Last year, nonprofit Do No Harm unveiled a database of gender reassignment procedures carried out nationwide, reporting that Seattle Children’s Hospital was among the top providers for procedures in the country.—
TJ Martinell | The Center Square,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
8 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near mechanism
Cite this Entry
“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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