1
as in certificate
a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something
a valid will is a legal instrument
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2
as in tool
an article intended for use in work
always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job
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3
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end
he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people
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4
as in pawn
one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another
the claim that the scientists are mere instruments of the tobacco companies, who pay them to produce findings that are highly suspect
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instrument
That makes the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 something of an event, and arguably the most important tech instrument of the year.
—
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score's various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 9 June 2025
The Time Has Come A stablecoin, a digital dollar, is an instrument whose time has come.
—Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score's various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 9 June 2025
The Time Has Come A stablecoin, a digital dollar, is an instrument whose time has come.
—Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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Perhaps a participant could earn a skills certificate and then apply those skills by working on or running a social media campaign, for example.—
Khaitsa Wasiyo,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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At the end of the ceremony, Shore presented each woman with a hamsa hand necklace, which symbolizes protection, and a certificate of bat mitzvah.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Fake review merchants have also wised up to new methods to evade detection tools, especially for payment providers who are still using more basic methods.—
Rochelle Blease,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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These tools promise to detect danger in real time and alert authorities before serious harm occurs.—
Aislinn Conrad,
The Conversation,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
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Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Rick McConnell said that Jerry McConnell asked the employee at the pawn shop for directions to the Prairie Village shopping center.—
Bella Waters,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
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In a subplot, Paul Baker and Samir visit a pawn shop to try to sell a gun Samir doesn’t want in the house, but Paul Baker struggles to talk to the owner, who seems progressive in his actions and beliefs, and completely retrograde in his language.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had ordered the termination of Harvard’s SEVP certification, citing the university’s refusal to turn over the conduct records of foreign students requested in April by her agency.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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That often means that not only are beautiful, grandiose ideas left on the cutting-room floor, but even coffeemakers can get nixed for not passing certification.—
Daniel Cote,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Captions are essential, especially on mobile devices or in quiet settings.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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The assailant, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly in the U.S. illegally, used homemade Molotov cocktails and a flamethrower-like device to target peaceful marchers.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
Noun
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These have much larger batteries and can effectively function as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for all but the longest journeys.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Schorsch, of Minneapolis, heard from his wife about armored vehicles and the large amount of law enforcement gathered Tuesday.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2025
Noun
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This is particularly crucial in real estate, where agents can provide guidance on flood zones, mitigation and insurance. 5.—
Frank Rojas,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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Shortly before Christmas in 2022, principal owner John Henry flew to the Dominican Republic along with members of the Red Sox front office, including then chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, to meet with Devers and his agents.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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