as in musicians
a person who plays a musical instrument
he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist
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Recent Examples of instrumentalists
Bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White, the remaining instrumentalists from Yes’ classic ’70s era, contributed little more than scaffolding beneath Horn’s whizbangs.
—
Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
Community members of all ages are invited to participate as soloists, duets, small groups or instrumentalists.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The latter features performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists and other creators actively working in the recording industry.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026
And the same can be said for the other recent Megadeth albums – Mustaine’s vocals often feel like a burden to the songs, and the band’s instrumentalists do most of the heavy lifting, including Mustaine himself.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The nonprofit's competitions are open to junior, intermediate and advanced levels for instrumentalists, vocalists, duets and chamber ensembles.
—Beth Reese Cravey, Florida Times-Union, 20 Jan. 2026
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
Yet, McBride — one of the top instrumentalists and band leaders in all of jazz today — also delivered the goods during his own 75-minute set with his versatile band Ursa Major.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
There may have been better singers, dancers, instrumentalists, performers and visual artists — but absolutely no one combined those talents as vividly as Prince did.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
Community members of all ages are invited to participate as soloists, duets, small groups or instrumentalists.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The latter features performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists and other creators actively working in the recording industry.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026
And the same can be said for the other recent Megadeth albums – Mustaine’s vocals often feel like a burden to the songs, and the band’s instrumentalists do most of the heavy lifting, including Mustaine himself.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The nonprofit's competitions are open to junior, intermediate and advanced levels for instrumentalists, vocalists, duets and chamber ensembles.
—Beth Reese Cravey, Florida Times-Union, 20 Jan. 2026
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
Yet, McBride — one of the top instrumentalists and band leaders in all of jazz today — also delivered the goods during his own 75-minute set with his versatile band Ursa Major.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
There may have been better singers, dancers, instrumentalists, performers and visual artists — but absolutely no one combined those talents as vividly as Prince did.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumentalists
Noun
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The online magazine will publish content weekly, including profiles of artists and musicians, photo essays, reported features, and interviews.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
18 May 2026
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Over coffee, the pair discussed family, London, race, and the Black American musicians who inspired the Stones.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The backstory Built in 1710, the Stockton Inn has served as a private residence, a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and a riverside retreat for famous artists, musicians, and authors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
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This effectively revoked the rights of artists to reclaim their copyright for works after 35 years have passed since the rights were first granted to the record label that recorded their work.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Alaska, Hawaiian are consistent performers The AQR also singled out Alaska Airlines as the steadiest performer in the industry.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrumentalists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumentalists. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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