Thesaurus results for UTENSIL

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

Some common synonyms of utensil are appliance , implement , instrument , and tool . While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. // kitchen utensils

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

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

Q: When would 'implement' be a good substitute for 'utensil'?

The words implement and utensil can be used in similar contexts, but implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. // crude stone implements // farm implements

Q: When might 'instrument' be a better fit than 'utensil'?

While in some cases nearly identical to utensil , instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. // the dentist's instruments

Q: How do 'tool' and 'implement' relate to one another, in the sense of 'utensil'?

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

utensil

noun

yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl

Definition of utensil next

as in tool

an article intended for use in work participants in the class must supply their own writing utensils

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of utensil are appliance, implement, instrument, and tool. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

When is appliance a more appropriate choice than utensil?

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

household appliances

When would implement be a good substitute for utensil?

The words implement and utensil can be used in similar contexts, but implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

When might instrument be a better fit than utensil?

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

the dentist's instruments

How do tool and implement relate to one another, in the sense of utensil?

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

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 utensil First, remove any dishes, utensils, or debris from the sink. —

Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 Advertisement To her surprise, the volunteer who handed the meal to her — a beef and rice dish, an orange and a plastic packet of utensils — was the former vice president. —

Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Do not share utensils, bedding, towels, or other items with someone who has an infection. —

Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2025 Inspectors discovered dozens of rodent droppings throughout the restaurant, including 10 on a ledge next to the prep fridge, 10 inside a bin filled with lids and utensils and 15 in a bowl with food containers. —

Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for utensil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for utensil

Noun

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool when building a resume.

— Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
The online platform has become a tool for those who buy movies.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025