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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.

In the Netanyahu case, conspiracy theorists pointed to an AI detection tool that falsely labeled his coffee shop video as "96.9 percent AI-generated."

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Anthropic says it is looking to resolve an issue which is blocking users of its AI coding tool.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Kelly believes a recent pullback for the stock linked to a Google AI tool to cut memory usage was likely overdone.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The tool also keeps a log of every transaction and step of its workflow for investors to review, and doesn’t engage in any independent decision-making.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

From his tool belt pouches he pulled some rope and a snap hook, then fastened the Archimedes sphere to his belt.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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