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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.

Anthropic’s new Mythos AI tool can allegedly hack a system by itself, though that might help companies repair holes in their defenses before hackers can exploit them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

After noting OpenAI’s closure of the text-to-video AI tool Sora, which Disney had planned to invest in, D’Amaro and Johnston said the company will “continue to explore” commercial opportunities with OpenAI and other companies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The Dutch information-services company’s commentary about the rollout of the clinical-decision support tool, UpToDate Expert AI, being on track to reach 70% by midyear is important, Citi says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Thomson Reuters was hit particularly hard in February when Anthropic, the maker of AI model Claude, released a legal tool aimed at helping companies speed up routine legal work.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

It was a tool, and it was from the Resistance.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing tool

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