as in tendency
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
left to her own devices she'd eat at a fast-food restaurant every night of the week
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Recent Examples of devices
In the Jobs era, the Apple ecosystem was its biggest competitive advantage — Cook doubled down on it, with all devices working seamlessly together.
—
Vitaliy Katsenelson, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Despite their tiny size, the devices delivered some of the strongest efficiencies reported for ultrathin perovskite solar technology.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Rogers' team has already developed numerous wearable electronic devices for infants and children, which can track vital signs, treat congenital conditions, and diagnose and monitor disease, Northwestern said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 May 2026
The county will also give $6 million for student devices and about $33 million for capital expenses.
—Mary Ramsey
may 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
The new approach could lead to better hearing technology, including hearing aids, assistive listening devices and cochlear implants.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 May 2026
This dichotomy, between the use of these devices and the actual charging process itself, is indicative of a larger problem.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 May 2026
This capability will come to more wearable devices in the near future, too.
—ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
Guests were introduced to several of Ulike’s latest beauty‑tech devices and product offerings, including its IPL hair removal devices and an LED skincare mask designed for at‑home treatments.
—Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Vitaliy Katsenelson, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Despite their tiny size, the devices delivered some of the strongest efficiencies reported for ultrathin perovskite solar technology.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Rogers' team has already developed numerous wearable electronic devices for infants and children, which can track vital signs, treat congenital conditions, and diagnose and monitor disease, Northwestern said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 May 2026
The county will also give $6 million for student devices and about $33 million for capital expenses.
—Mary Ramsey
may 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
The new approach could lead to better hearing technology, including hearing aids, assistive listening devices and cochlear implants.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 May 2026
This dichotomy, between the use of these devices and the actual charging process itself, is indicative of a larger problem.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 May 2026
This capability will come to more wearable devices in the near future, too.
—ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
Guests were introduced to several of Ulike’s latest beauty‑tech devices and product offerings, including its IPL hair removal devices and an LED skincare mask designed for at‑home treatments.
—Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devices
Noun
-
People have a tendency to be pushy, aggressive and even compulsive today.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
-
Since the materials are designed to be stain-resistant and water-repellant, this couch perfectly suits our tendency to eat and drink in the living room.—
Meg Kernahan,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Malo Gusto is athletically capable of being the Frimpong at Chelsea, but has not demonstrated the same level of aptitude in front of goal.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, 57, or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 45, are both often mentioned as possible firm hands who could steer the party, though neither has shown much inclination to enter the fray this time round.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
-
My inclination would be to say probably not.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
O’Brien’s extended family still lives in San Diego, so the connection runs deep, as does her deep affinity for food.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
While tons of beauty professionals have ties, affinities, and contractual obligations with designer brands, many swear by drugstore or equally accessible products to get their clients star-worthy outcomes.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
All the thespian’s chemistry felt less like castmates promoting a production and more like siblings teasing one another out of deep affection.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
In a family where hugs and other displays of physical affection were common, Djena was hardly ever touched, unless she was being disciplined.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Amid the early-spring lightness of the filmmaking, Fukada values softly plainspoken earnestness of emotion, as his repressed, recessive characters learn to listen to their own impulses in the general stillness that surrounds them.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
Charlestonians love Planter’s Punch, so the impulse to claim this drink’s origins makes sense.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Curiosity — the disposition to keep searching even when the AI has given you a good enough answer.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
-
Just a month following the above meeting, the PHA outlined the process for the disposition of 9,000 permanent and semi-permanent demountable units, such as those in Azure Vista.—
Eric DuVall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devices.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devices. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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