as in musician
a person who plays a musical instrument
he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instrumentalist
Since Chuck Berry’s first hits, rock’s most famous instrumentalists have been lead guitarists, who step out in front of the band with flashy solos.
—
David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Jeff Buckley initially focused all his energy on guitar, becoming an acclaimed instrumentalist.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
British music producer and instrumentalist Dave Ball, best known as one half of the pioneering synth-pop duo Soft Cell, has died.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The Format consist of lead singer Nate Ruess and instrumentalist Sam Means.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumentalist
David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Jeff Buckley initially focused all his energy on guitar, becoming an acclaimed instrumentalist.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
British music producer and instrumentalist Dave Ball, best known as one half of the pioneering synth-pop duo Soft Cell, has died.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The Format consist of lead singer Nate Ruess and instrumentalist Sam Means.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumentalist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumentalist
Noun
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The whole thing was a striking visual spectacle, too — waves of musicians rising from both sides, backup singers swaying and clapping, spotlights sweeping across the floor as a roaming camera zipped through the crowd like a drone that had just discovered country music.—
Theoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
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The 48-year-old musician apologized in January for his antisemitic remarks in a letter published as a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal.—
Pan Pylas,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Co-designed by Cuban American artist Mokibaby, Cho has many such devices designed to catch your eye.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
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For the cover of the April 13, 2026, Future Issue, the artist Christoph Niemann depicted an army of machines filling the horizon, one of whom cradles a human in its hand; that person is happily reaching toward a screen.—
Françoise Mouly,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The documentary highlights Michaels’ transition from in-ring performer to his work shaping the next generation of talent, offering insight into his influence behind the scenes.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
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Brandy joined Goldberg Wednesday morning for an interview on The View, with the pop star promoting her new memoir, Phases, and reflecting on her time acting alongside the Oscar-winning Ghost performer in Cinderella.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instrumentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumentalist. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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