Definitions

instrument

[in-struh-muhnt] / ˈɪn strə mənt /

NOUN

tool, implement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apparatus appliance device equipment gadget gear gizmo machine machinery mechanism

STRONG

contraption contrivance doodad paraphernalia tackle utensil

Antonyms

WEAK

end

NOUN

means, agent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

material mechanism medium organ vehicle

STRONG

agency channel factor force instrumentality ministry wherewithal

Antonyms

WEAK

end

Usage

What are other ways to say instrument? An instrument is anything used in doing a certain type of work or producing a certain result, especially such as requires delicacy, accuracy, or precision: surgical or musical instruments. A tool is a contrivance held in and worked by the hand, for assisting the work of (especially) mechanics or skilled laborers: a carpenter's tools. An implement is any tool or contrivance designed or used for a particular purpose: agricultural implements. A utensil is especially an article for domestic use: kitchen utensils.

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.

To carry out the work, Johnson and Zhdanov hired a Canadian geophysical team to fly instruments suspended beneath a helicopter in February 2025.

From Science Daily

USO holds West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contracts, along with swaps and cash instruments.

From Barron's

Thermo Fisher Scientific, which makes instruments for the drug industry, also disclosed tax benefits from Malta.

From The Wall Street Journal

They may take custody of assets, move money through payment systems and issue instruments resembling deposits — without the same protections that the public expects from banks.

From MarketWatch

Sales also were up at sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and book retailers, but fell at supermarkets and grocery stores.

From The Wall Street Journal

instrument

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words