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
With no Gentile doctor yet in place, Bernstein packs his bags and instruments and takes Room 22 at the Hotel Tüffer.
—
James Wood, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Doctors control a robot that typically holds three surgical instruments and a camera with its four arms.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
Comments Both have headlined here on their own in the past and each is a master of their respective instruments.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
The exhibit will feature costumes, awards, instruments, photographs, handwritten lyrics and exclusive interview footage from throughout Parton’s career.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
James Wood, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Doctors control a robot that typically holds three surgical instruments and a camera with its four arms.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
Comments Both have headlined here on their own in the past and each is a master of their respective instruments.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
The exhibit will feature costumes, awards, instruments, photographs, handwritten lyrics and exclusive interview footage from throughout Parton’s career.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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Only 250 of these certificates are granted annually.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The resulting interaction creates an interstellar distortion that interferes with the normal flow of time, sending the certificate back thousands of years into the past.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Features include integrated evaluation tools, memory capabilities for context retention and robust tracing for debugging.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The website offers screening and assessment tools, informational articles, self-help guides and a guide to providers in Kane County.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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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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
Noun
-
What began as economic policy is rapidly devolving into diplomatic grudge-holding, with everyday items becoming pawns in an escalating game of international spite.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
7 Apr. 2025
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Each decision—something as seemingly small as moving a pawn—can shift the course of the entire game.—
Nuno Fernandes,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Networking requires no special training, no certification, no great expense.—
Lauren Stienstra,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
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Prioritize ethical sourcing through Fair Trade or B Corp certification.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On Easter Sunday, this paper contained an editorial that employed the same literary device: It was penned by an angel.—
Gwen Faulkenberry,
Arkansas Online,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Use a filtration device or air conditioning with a filter in your home.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Police said numerous roads and neighborhoods were flooded, and officers assisted more than a dozen motorists whose vehicles were trapped in high water.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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Broken down vehicle on northbound I-40/US-71 in Grandview There is a broken down vehicle on I-40/US-71 between 155th Street and MO-150.—
Kansas City Star Bot,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Those qualities should top your list of agent must-haves, along with clear communication and high client ratings.—
Berit Thorkelson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2025
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Sellers can now choose whether to offer buyer agent compensation through MLS platforms—a change that has already begun reshaping how homes are bought and sold across the country.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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