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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mechanism
This new billing method burdens homeowners not just with a fee, but with a financial enforcement mechanism that most cities have chosen to avoid.
—
Steven Cordova, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
One possibility advanced by some justices was to find a different legal mechanism, perhaps a class action, to accomplish essentially the same thing as the nationwide injunctions blocking Trump’s citizenship order.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
However, the dog might also be acting out of boredom, using destructive behavior as a coping mechanism.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
The sell-off earlier this year brought CAT right down to the 150-week moving average as well, serving as further confirmation of the importance of this trend-following mechanism.
—David Keller, CNBC, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Steven Cordova, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
One possibility advanced by some justices was to find a different legal mechanism, perhaps a class action, to accomplish essentially the same thing as the nationwide injunctions blocking Trump’s citizenship order.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
However, the dog might also be acting out of boredom, using destructive behavior as a coping mechanism.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
The sell-off earlier this year brought CAT right down to the 150-week moving average as well, serving as further confirmation of the importance of this trend-following mechanism.
—David Keller, CNBC, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
Noun
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His grip on the country’s military and intelligence apparatus has grown.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
-
The retirement apparatus, layered over decades of tech and regulation, is textbook complex.—
Miguel Kudry,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
-
The investigation confirmed the deaths of at least 973 American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian children in the boarding school system.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Noun
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And those devices, unsurprisingly, will largely run on AI.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
8 June 2025
-
The assailant, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly in the U.S. illegally, used homemade Molotov cocktails and a flamethrower-like device to target peaceful marchers.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Hemp processors found ways to use chemical solvents or other methods to produce variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCO, which can get users high like marijuana.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
-
Both methods remained in place as of publication time.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Encryption methods that underpin today’s secure systems, such as RSA, will eventually be rendered obsolete by quantum machines.—
David Jones,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Experts, however, were quick to clarify that the malfunction was not evidence of a conscious or rebellious machine.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Suppose intelligent machines are used to help shape decision processes in life-changing situations, such as criminal court proceedings, or to aid emergency care first responders in disaster situations.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
Both were approved using the same budget reconciliation process now being employed by Republicans to steamroll Trump's bill past the opposition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
Noun
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On the other side are anti-AI zealots, contributing an oversized backlash over anyone who uses AI tools in their work.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
13 June 2025
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By using his platform to center healing and hope, Keith is demonstrating how hip-hop—so often seen as a force for expression—can also be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Cosmetic surgery figures into the film’s tart exchanges, and into its plot as well (there’s an extreme procedure, which costs several hundred grand, that’s there to give the audience major pause).—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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Part of the reason for the increase is a change in procedure.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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