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
The Pen-metheus looks like a basic writing instrument at first glance, albeit one made from anodized aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum instead of more commonplace plastic or steel.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
To me, there’s no greater act of sharing and love than when a musician pulls out their instrument of choice, plays a tune and invites us to pull up a chair and take it all in.
—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2026
Schmidt last year became the CEO of the rocket company Relativity Space, which won a major NASA contract this week to deliver a set of the agency’s science instruments to Mars in 2028.
—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
21 June 2026
The images came from instruments aboard the US Air Force’s Defence Meteorological Satellite Program satellites, which monitor conditions in near-Earth space.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
To me, there’s no greater act of sharing and love than when a musician pulls out their instrument of choice, plays a tune and invites us to pull up a chair and take it all in.
—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2026
Schmidt last year became the CEO of the rocket company Relativity Space, which won a major NASA contract this week to deliver a set of the agency’s science instruments to Mars in 2028.
—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
21 June 2026
The images came from instruments aboard the US Air Force’s Defence Meteorological Satellite Program satellites, which monitor conditions in near-Earth space.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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The Valley Motel was seeking to either waive a park land fee worth $123,662 or to enter into a payment plan beginning two years after receiving a certificate of occupancy.
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But short-term certificates are a much more mixed bag.
Noun
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The handle of the FieldSpork incorporates two fold-out tools.
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The tools now entering those classrooms are more powerful and far less accountable than anyone writing that legislation could have imagined.
Noun
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Issued by the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, a state instrumentality created under the Wyoming Stable Token Act (2023), FRNT is fully reserved and managed in partnership with Franklin Templeton.
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Holding the weight of cotton’s influence on the world, and thus the instrumentality of Black labor, is painful, yet necessary work.
Noun
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The Wolf King series will see Aurora, after being abducted from a world that treated her as a decorative pawn, uncovering her own wild strength in the sweeping romantasy.
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The gang stole pricey items worth millions altogether, and Spilotro opened a pawn shop called the Gold Rush to fence the goods, the Mob Museum reported.
Noun
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The technology, the team, the certification, or the infrastructure that would take them years to build.
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Equipment complies with safety rules The deployment follows a structured certification and assembly timeline completed earlier in the month.
Noun
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Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
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These devices are a direct answer to that problem.
Noun
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At the moment, Congress is having a terrible time deciding how to levy taxes, go to war, protect Social Security, confirm judges and live within its means.
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Visiting teams, particularly from wealthy nations with the means to pay for it, will also request the most secluded rooms in the hotel, and away from the street side to minimize noise exposure.
Noun
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The memo also addressed aftermarket auto parts and would supersede the ability of the California Air Resources Board to evaluate parts that affect vehicle emissions.
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The smoke from the burning vehicles contained hazardous materials commonly found in automobiles, including fuels, oils and interior components, Nunez said, although steady winds helped disperse the smoke.
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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