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Showing results for apparatus. Search instead for apparaters.
Definitions

apparatus

[ap-uh-rat-uhs, -rey-tuhs] / ˌæp əˈræt əs, -ˈreɪ təs /
NOUN
equipment with a purpose
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appliance device gear gizmo machine machinery means mechanism
STRONG
accoutrement contraption dingbat doodad doohickey furnishings gaff gimcrack gimmick grabber habiliments implement jigger job outfit paraphernalia provisions setup stuff supplies tackle thingamajig tools utensils whatchamacallit whatsis widget
WEAK
black box idiot box whosis
NOUN
organization or system
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bureaucracy hierarchy network structure
STRONG
setup
WEAK
chain of command

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When he shot into prominence in 2024, Magyar had no party apparatus behind him.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Iran’s sprawling security apparatus isn’t solely held together by ideology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Its media apparatus has become the main source of information for people living in the country, particularly when the internet is cut off.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Dyszel built frames for neutron tracking detectors and assembled them within the experimental apparatus.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

They draped these over the balky apparatus and localized the radiation source to Kamen’s fly, which evidently had collected a heavy burden of waste radio-phosphorus from Kamen’s work for John Lawrence.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.