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.

Artemis 2 astronaut Victor Glover, who pilots the Orion spacecraft, said before liftoff this week that eyes were a "magical instrument."

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

A cartridge containing small tubes preloaded with different antibiotics is placed directly into the urine sample and inserted into an instrument.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

But there’s still so much to learn about harmony and melody from that instrument, you know?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Trump has made tariffs a central instrument of his economic and foreign policy.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Instruments all over the world can be grouped into five categories based on the Sachs-Hornbostel instrument classification system.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

instrument

Usage

Example Sentences

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