TOOL Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'tool' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tool are appliance , implement , instrument , and utensil . While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement . // a carpenter's tools

Q: When is it sensible to use 'appliance' instead of 'tool'?

While the synonyms appliance and tool are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. // household appliances

Q: In what contexts can 'implement' take the place of 'tool'?

In some situations, the words implement and tool are roughly equivalent. However, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. // crude stone implements // farm implements

Q: When is 'instrument' a more appropriate choice than 'tool'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tool , instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. // the dentist's instruments

Q: When could 'utensil' be used to replace 'tool'?

The words utensil and tool can be used in similar contexts, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. // kitchen utensils

tool 1 of 2

noun

ˈtül

Definition of tool next

as in device

an article intended for use in work needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in sucker

one who is easily deceived or cheated you're just a pathetic tool of the advertising industry if you believe everything you see in TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tool

2 of 2

verb

as in to drive

to travel by a motorized vehicle I spent some time tooling around town today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tool different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tool are appliance, implement, instrument, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

When is it sensible to use appliance instead of tool?

While the synonyms appliance and tool are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

In what contexts can implement take the place of tool?

In some situations, the words implement and tool are roughly equivalent. However, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

When is instrument a more appropriate choice than tool?

While in some cases nearly identical to tool, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

When could utensil be used to replace tool?

The words utensil and tool can be used in similar contexts, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

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 tool

Noun

There’s even a tool allowing anyone to convert space visuals into sound, creating their own song of the cosmos. —

Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 July 2026 The blizzard inspired the use of underground subway lines and utility lines as well as better winter storm preparedness, city planning and new weather models and translation tools. —

Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Verb

In addition to high-profile contract decisions regarding stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are re-tooling the front office and business operations eight months after Dodgers owner Mark Walter officially took over in a historic $10-billion sale. —

Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 Liccardo asked Atkins whether the SEC has opened an investigation into the trades, and what tools the SEC has to investigate them. —

Garrett Downs, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tool

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tool

Noun

Future generations opening the capsule in 2276 will likely find the device unusable due to several factors.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Plus, the power port includes three electrical outlets and three USB ports for powering appliances, speakers, and other devices.

— Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of device

Noun

The Wolf King series will see Aurora, after being abducted from a world that treated her as a decorative pawn, uncovering her own wild strength in the sweeping romantasy.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026
The gang stole pricey items worth millions altogether, and Spilotro opened a pawn shop called the Gold Rush to fence the goods, the Mob Museum reported.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Definition of pawn

Noun

Afterward, Kenins recommends removing water sprouts and suckers.

— Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
Any Bay State citizen from Boston to Great Barrington would have been handcuffed and hauled into court yesterday for sucker-punching a fellow bar patron the way a State Police officer did over the weekend.

— Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of sucker

Verb

The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

The Angels’ lucky Pikachu might not be a trade target going into the deadline.

— Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Spurs have approached this summer window with a determination to back their head coach, and to be ruthless and decisive in their pursuit of targets.

— Mark Critchley, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of target

Verb

Mora picked the ball up on halfway and just kept on motoring forward, moving towards two runners on the right, eventually nudging the ball through for Jorge Sanchez, who bundled the ball across for Quinones to finish.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
In the fifth, Harper lined a ball into the gap in left-center field and motored around to third base for a two-run triple.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Definition of motor

Noun

Bright Angel was the first site SHERLOC examined after a dust-cover anomaly disabled its focusing mechanism, forcing the team to adopt a new operating mode.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026
Tianwen-2 carries both a touch-and-go sampling system and an anchor-and-attach mechanism equipped with drills for collecting surface material.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026