1
as in apparatus
a mechanical part or group of parts used to perform a specific task
The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed.
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in system
a series of actions used to achieve an end
She was stunned to learn that there was no mechanism in place to remedy the problem.
Related 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 mechanism
There is a rocket launch pad that uses a pivoting, spinning lever mechanism to simulate a blastoff from Earth to the moon.
—
Ian Stokes, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
The mechanism moves awkwardly from driving modes to the paddle-shifting option or into reverse.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Without elections, there is no formal mechanism through which citizens can register discontent or enact change.
—Jasmin Lilian Diab, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2026
But these funding mechanisms can be hard to understand, from school bonds and GO bonds to tax levies and earnings taxes.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Ian Stokes, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
The mechanism moves awkwardly from driving modes to the paddle-shifting option or into reverse.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Without elections, there is no formal mechanism through which citizens can register discontent or enact change.
—Jasmin Lilian Diab, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2026
But these funding mechanisms can be hard to understand, from school bonds and GO bonds to tax levies and earnings taxes.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
Noun
-
The state responded with the repression of protesters, followed by a consolidation of the security apparatus – particularly the expanding influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps around the supreme leader.—
Roxane Razavi,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In 1847, Henri-Clément Sanson, who preferred gambling to guillotining, pawned off the family apparatus.—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Spray dry toilet paper with cleansing, soothing and refreshing Pristine to create an instant wet wipe that is actually flushable and safe for your sewer and septic systems.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
By Saturday, the Pentagon had surged more than 150 aircraft to join the effort to rescue the weapons system officer, Dude 44B, including 64 fighter jets, four bombers, 48 refuelers, 13 rescue planes and 26 intelligence and jamming aircraft, sources told CBS News.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider a misting device or a drop fountain.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Police were alerted about the cash-trap devices by a bank, which then told the customer, McKeever said.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Choose slow, steady methods and stick with what already works to defend your long-term strength.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Fundamentally, one analyst said, a Factbook assembled by a government agency with secret agendas and shadowy methods might never have been unbiased in the first place.—
Laurie Kellman,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For a more active approach to wellbeing, the second-floor gym offers treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight-training equipment, and hosts yoga and pilates sessions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The two-tone speed machine utilized a lot of pre-existing hardware but did feature an all-new chassis and composite bodywork, made from a mixture of carbon fiber and Kevlar.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Part of what contributes to the slim odds is the fact that Morris is seeking to move the process forward using Christian arbitration, while Gateway wants to use a standard legal approach, Morris’ attorney Bill Mateja told the Star-Telegram last July.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Miami-Dade’s then-program administrator, Cristina Reboredo Leon, streamlined the process by having the Alliance for Aging — a county program that oversees such payments — expedite the monthly subsidies.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
From Hollywood, California, to Hollywood, Florida, the wage standard needs nurturing and protecting with whatever tools are available.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
There are other tools the EU could use.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even the name is a misnomer, Mackey said, since the same pain can arise among women who’ve had other procedures, including lumpectomies and lymph node surgeries.—
Brett Kelman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Worth noting Right-hander José Buttó underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from his right arm.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
