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.

The bank said it plans to offer an institutional settlement instrument to regulated financial-services firms operating in capital markets and the commercial-banking space in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, he’ll perform with “The General,” described as “part instrument, part sculpture.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

instrument

Usage

Example Sentences

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