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.

For the buyers, it’s way cheaper, more efficient, and less burdensome than the official Meta/TikTok/YouTube ad-and-influencer apparatus.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

“The Devil Wears Prada” was and is the perfect example of a self-contained story, built by the studio machine but never intended to keep the apparatus running.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Once Kansas City police have trained counterdrone personnel and installed detection equipment for soccer matches at Arrowhead Stadium, that capability does not disappear — it becomes part of the local security apparatus.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

And, indeed, there may be something wrong with the apparatus in schizophrenics; they have, it is said, an unfamiliar odor, recently attributed to trans-3- methylhexanoic acid, in their sweat.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing apparatus

Orbiting Jupiter

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Among the Hidden

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Time Machine

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!