1
as in certificate
a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something
a valid will is a legal instrument
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2
as in tool
an article intended for use in work
always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job
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3
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end
he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people
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4
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instrument
The spacecraft’s computer, communications system and instruments all require energy to operate, so scientists are faced with a tough choice: hand select where to save power by sacrificing particular instruments or risk overdrawing the power supply and losing the whole spacecraft.
—
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
Here is the irony, though: The fiction writer’s craft, the instrument of his trade, revolves around the conjuring of untruths.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
States come and go, in other words, and their techniques and instruments may vary, but the obligation to defend and uphold Islam is constant.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Additionally, an instrument known as a Laser Retroreflector Array on the top deck of the lander will be activated.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
Here is the irony, though: The fiction writer’s craft, the instrument of his trade, revolves around the conjuring of untruths.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
States come and go, in other words, and their techniques and instruments may vary, but the obligation to defend and uphold Islam is constant.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Additionally, an instrument known as a Laser Retroreflector Array on the top deck of the lander will be activated.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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In 2021, the school received $150 million from the David Geffen Foundation, making tuition free for all degree and certificate students.—
Caitlin Huston,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
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Gold certificates: These represent ownership of gold without the hassle of physical possession.—
Stephanie Colestock,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This versatile bag also makes a thoughtful gift for any traveler, offering enough space to fit hair tools, toiletries, medication, and more.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
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Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
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But the instrumentality of so many of his characters seems to have reached a nadir in The City and Its Uncertain Walls.—
Bailey Trela,
Vulture,
19 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Police found that Crandall had allegedly sold a Rolex watch and two pendants at a pawn shop in Wethersfield, the warrant affidavits said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2025
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Who are resisting a world where our dignity and safety is a pawn moved around a chess board by those who only see us as a bargaining tool.—
Brea Baker,
refinery29.com,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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According to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training website, Morales voluntarily surrendered his peace officer certification in March 2024.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Mar. 2025
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There's also a thing called IATA certification (short for the International Air Transport Association).—
Nena Farrell,
WIRED,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Nelson was charged with one count of malicious destruction of property, explosives or incendiary devices use, felony criminal mischief and criminal attempt to commit felonies, according to a news release from the Loveland Police Department.—
Pilar Arias,
Fox News,
4 Mar. 2025
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Please use your personal device to contact us via e-mail ([email protected]) or Signal (ID: etammykim.54).—
E. Tammy Kim,
The New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The company encountered issues with both of the vehicle's elements — its Super Heavy booster and Ship upper stage — and called the launch off after holding the countdown clock at T-40 seconds.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading: Tesla — The electric vehicle stock jumped nearly 3% after Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas named embattled Tesla a new top pick in U.S. autos, with expectations of a roughly 50% bounce in store.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The show follows a Secret Service agent caught in a web of conspiracy after the U.S. president is assassinated, with no suspect in sight.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2025
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Mexico has sent drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who is wanted for the notorious killing of a U.S. DEA agent in 1985, to the United States with 28 other prisoners requested by the U.S. government, the Justice Department confirmed Thursday evening.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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