instruments

plural of instrument
1
as in certificates
a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something a valid will is a legal instrument

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2
3
4
as in tools
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of instruments At least within the precision limits of the Perseverance’s instruments, the material roughly matches terrestrial kerogen. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026 Making this cosmic fireworks display not only visual, but auditory, optical data from three of the images was matched with the sounds of different instruments in a process called sonification. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 July 2026 While quantum computers remain under development, quantum sensors are already being used to measure physical processes with a level of precision that conventional instruments often struggle to achieve. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 Education Through Music said the donation will expand in-school music programs across underserved New York City schools, funding teachers, instruments, and performance opportunities for thousands of students. Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Every generation finds new instruments for expression, but the purpose remains the same; to evoke a feeling. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026 Human bodies were like animals’ The few medical instruments of the revolutionary era were heavy in the hand, awkward in use and imprecise to maneuver. Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 The process is meant to mitigate the chance of any sensitive instruments being damaged, Katalyst said in a press release. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Musical performers may wear pantaloons or flowing gowns while strumming ancient instruments. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruments
Noun
  • Those certificates are mandatory for closing estate matters and claiming life insurance benefits, so don’t assume one office handles both.
    William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • Information technology certificates, on average, left students $20,839 behind similar Texas peers who did not enroll in college after five years.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • But none of that has happened, and Hamas rejected a new disarmament proposal in March that would force it to give up its tunnel network as well as rockets, heavy munitions, explosive devices and assault rifles before any Israel withdrawal.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • This one from Amazon is only $36 and can keep your devices charged for up to one week on a single charge.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • This is not Copenhagen, which has wide boulevards where vehicles and bikes can be easily separated.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • But these unprotected vehicles can run at automobile speeds, posing a risk of injury that’s greater than for those pedaling nonpowered, slower two-wheelers.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Mendoza said that the search had been exceedingly difficult without the right tools.
    Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration does have those tools, and sometimes works with Brennan's office to investigate cases.
    Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • So an aspiring welder can complete a welding program, pass a test, become certified, and get to work on a job – then add more certifications over time to become ever more employable.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Obtaining a private pilot license in China requires a physical medical examination and other appropriate certifications, a pilot qualified to fly in China said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the incident.
    Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • 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.
    Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • 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.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Gulf governments, meanwhile, have dabbled abroad as well, while trying to address grievances among their own Shia populations to prevent them from becoming pawns of Tehran.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
  • The organization is treating these athletes as political pawns instead of as young people with their own families, goals, futures and careers to think about.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Before choosing a whitening method, check the care label for guidance on water temperature, safe cleaning agents, and recommended drying methods.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • When your workforce includes full-time employees, fractional specialists and AI agents, culture becomes about how work gets done, not who does it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instruments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruments. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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