1
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
2
as in tool
an article intended for use in work
always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end
he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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 instrument
Nestled in north Phoenix, the museum houses over 13,000 instruments from more than 200 countries.
—
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Kuwait Investment Authority controls over $1 trillion, but has not been as high profile as other regional states in pursuing international deals or in being used as an instrument to help to diversify the oil-dependent economy.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025
The mission concluded that Venezuela’s courts and prosecutors have abandoned any semblance of independence, functioning instead as instruments of political persecution.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
The instrument of her destruction is not the train.
—Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
-
By fall 2024, Varner was no longer pursuing a certificate, but a bachelor's degree.—
-
Additionally, suppliers that join LEAP will have the opportunity to explore individual purchase opportunities, such as on-site solar or certificate purchasing, or join a multi-buyer cohort for a power purchase agreement (PPA).—
Noun
-
Even with the potential risks, businesses also need to democratize access to AI tools.—
-
Seider popped early in his career, making Detroit’s roster as a 20-year-old and showing a mix of offensive production, defensive tools that outran some dodgy five-on-five results and a rare-for-its-time mean streak.—
Noun
-
They are left wielding the tools of instrumentality: in-groups and cliques, buying effort through more money, coercive employment agreements and suits against whistleblowers.—
-
Holding the weight of cotton’s influence on the world, and thus the instrumentality of Black labor, is painful, yet necessary work.—
Noun
-
Despite their age, vintage Mauser rifles like the one authorities say was used to kill Kirk are widely available at firearm stores, pawn shops and gun shows, experts said.—
-
His congressional pawns could have passed a law outlawing ridicule of the president.—
Noun
-
Cadillac have paid maybe half a billion pounds for certification to get on board.—
-
Thursday, the city of San Diego’s Planning Commission will weigh whether to recommend to City Council adoption of the Midway Rising Specific Plan, certification of the associated environment impact report and approval of a development agreement.—
Noun
-
Meanwhile, others confirmed the stream was working for them, suggesting the issue may be regional or device-specific.—
-
In February, BestPlaces, a research firm specializing in quality of life and livability, released a report, conducted in partnership with Medtronic, a global manufacturer of medical devices and healthcare technology.—
Noun
-
The hijacking of the sport and the community institutions that built it, by noxious forces using it for their own means.—
-
Explaining banknotes’ appeal, the European Central Bank study says that in moments of acute stress the public sees cash as a reliable store of value and a resilient means of payment.—
Noun
-
TxDOT traffic cameras captured dozens of emergency vehicles and police units converging near the ICE facility off I-35E and Empire Central.—
-
Rice, who was suspended for his part in a multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in March 2024, will miss the Chiefs’ next three games.—
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share