instruments

Definition of instrumentsnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Sporting Goods Sporting goods are like instruments and hobbies whereas they're almost always accepted at donation centers. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026 Brown said her father picked up instruments as a child and built a musical identity that later translated into broadcasting. Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026 The team behind this research used the JWST's Near InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) instruments to investigate IRAS 07251–0248, an ultra-luminous infrared galaxy whose dense galactic heart is obscured by immense amounts of dust and gas. Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026 That could include imagery such as pava hats — traditionally worn by jíbaro farmers — as well as instruments tied to bomba and plena, including maracas, güiros and cuatros. Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 This special MacPhail Student Performance Festival features students of all ages, instruments, and programs performing works that celebrate the contributions of Black composers, artists, and musical traditions. Wcco Staff, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026 While groundbreaking at the time, the data left gaps that modern instruments are now able to close. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026 Their window of opportunity only lasted the weekend — if the scientists didn’t secure the instruments by Monday, an approaching front of bad weather would prevent helicopters from extracting them, effectively stranding them for an indeterminate period of time. Joe Wilkins Published Feb 4, Futurism, 4 Feb. 2026 Learning to play guitar on acoustic instruments handmade by a local luthier. Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruments
Noun
  • Estimates from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicate that the number of new motor carrier certificates approved increased 59 percent from 2019 to 2021, to 79,185 approvals.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Teachers who encourage students to walk out or assist them in doing so could also face investigation, potentially resulting in revocation of their teaching certificates.
    Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In September, a swarm of Russian drones flew into Poland's airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble to intercept them and shoot down some of the devices.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The countries announced a framework for the agreement in November, saying Argentina would ease restrictions on a range of American imports, including cattle, dairy products, medicines, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and vehicles.
    Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The story summaries above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Samuel Boivin | Nurphoto | Getty Images Cloudflare's stock gained 5% Wednesday after the company beat Wall Street's fourth-quarter estimates and issued upbeat guidance as artificial intelligence adoption fuels demand for its networking and security tools.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • No professional credentials or certifications are required.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The company’s technology is already used across fashion and textiles, as well as precious metals and gemstones, and is compliant with standards including GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the heavily Latino area of south Oklahoma City, ICE agents have been patrolling in unmarked vehicles and stopping work trucks of roofers, painters and electricians, Brooks Jimenez said.
    Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This shift is so total that Tesla is winding down production of its veteran Model S and Model X vehicles to repurpose its California factory for the mass production of Optimus humanoid robots.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Government shutdowns are avoidable and harmful to families, workers, the economy and federal workers shouldn’t be pawns.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Rhode Island activist Nicole Solas said adults shouldn't use students as pawns in political games.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Catherine takes the concept in a different direction, intent on hurting Heathcliff through more emotional means.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
  • But because many people struggle to get enough vitamin D through natural means, a supplement may be appropriate for those concerned about bone health, Drake said.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Confrontations involving federal agents have routinely been captured on video from multiple angles, which later served to discount parts of the government’s narrative of events.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Democrats demanded new restrictions on federal immigration agents in exchange for voting to fund DHS after Alex Pretti was killed last month in Minneapolis.
    Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instruments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruments. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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