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Definitions

tool

[tool] / tul /
NOUN
instrument used to shape, form, finish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apparatus appliance device engine gadget gizmo machine means mechanism utensil weapon
STRONG
contraption contrivance implement whatchamacallit
Antonyms
STRONGEST
plaything
WEAK
toy
NOUN
person who can be manipulated by another
Synonyms
STRONG
accessory accomplice agent auxiliary chump creature dupe figurehead flunky go-between greenhorn hireling idiot intermediary jackal lackey mark messenger minion patsy pawn peon puppet stooge sucker
WEAK
easy mark stool pigeon

Usage

What are other ways to say tool? 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 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. 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.

The correct rule is straightforward: Using a tool to process information isn’t the same as disclosing information to a person.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

A growing number of government agencies have since banned staff from installing the tool.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

On one deployment, Zelinger and his pod created a custom fraud-detection tool that was eventually baked in to the Foundry product.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Campbell and colleagues had some participants in a study use ChatGPT to complete a writing assignment, and had some forgo help from the tool.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Then she took the lighter from her tool belt and held a flame under the branch’s knobby end until it was blazing.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

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