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
Her father, a musical influence, introduced her to the cuatro, a traditional Latin American string instrument.
—
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
New portable instruments, such as the saxophone, were invented as well.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
While flying within about 600 miles of the asteroid on April 20, the Lucy spacecraft autonomously used all three of the science instruments it's equipped with to observe Donaldjohanson in both black-and-white and infrared light.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Will fly one scientific instrument awarded under NASA’s CLPS initiative.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
New portable instruments, such as the saxophone, were invented as well.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
While flying within about 600 miles of the asteroid on April 20, the Lucy spacecraft autonomously used all three of the science instruments it's equipped with to observe Donaldjohanson in both black-and-white and infrared light.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Will fly one scientific instrument awarded under NASA’s CLPS initiative.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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For example, a security certificate that expired in, say, 2020 could be made usable again if the system's clock is set back to 2019.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The landmark ruling means that a transgender person with a certificate that recognizes them as female should not be considered a woman for equality purposes.—
Mark Weinstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The supplements are a crucial tool for averting malnutrition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2025
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This capability—combined with tools like protein folding simulations—has opened the door to faster, more efficient drug development pipelines.—
Tomoko Yokoi,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 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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What began as economic policy is rapidly devolving into diplomatic grudge-holding, with everyday items becoming pawns in an escalating game of international spite.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
7 Apr. 2025
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Each decision—something as seemingly small as moving a pawn—can shift the course of the entire game.—
Nuno Fernandes,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Networking requires no special training, no certification, no great expense.—
Lauren Stienstra,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
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Prioritize ethical sourcing through Fair Trade or B Corp certification.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On Easter Sunday, this paper contained an editorial that employed the same literary device: It was penned by an angel.—
Gwen Faulkenberry,
Arkansas Online,
21 Apr. 2025
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In this guide, the term blow-dry brush is exclusively used for devices that blow hot air out of the bristles onto wet hair to dry and style your hair.—
Nena Farrell,
Wired News,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Broken down vehicle on northbound I-40/US-71 in Grandview There is a broken down vehicle on I-40/US-71 between 155th Street and MO-150.—
Kansas City Star Bot,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2025
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Police said numerous roads and neighborhoods were flooded, and officers assisted more than a dozen motorists whose vehicles were trapped in high water.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The same source suggested to The Athletic that Sanders' refusal to hire an agent to represent him in an official capacity acted as a detriment.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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Gibbs meets his red-headed real estate agent, Diane (Kathleen Kenny).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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