tool 1 of 2

noun

ˈtül How to pronounce tool (audio)
Definition of toolnext
1
as in device
an article intended for use in work needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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
3
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
By studying exoplanet hazes in this three-pronged fashion — with observations, laboratory synthesis, and theoretical modeling — one more tool for investigating these alien worlds is bringing our view of the Universe into better focus. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 10 Sep. 2025 Our elders know how to make tools and sealskin pants the right way. —Jennie Punter, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
The bus driver, who was also a pilot, had turned up a small plane to fly, and Randy was in the plane with him, just tooling around. —Erik Hedegaard, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025 There’s another tech company tooling around San Diego. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tool
  1. device
  2. pawn
  3. sucker
  4. drive
  5. instrument
  6. target
  7. motor
  8. mechanism
Noun
  • The devices nearly saturated the ground, and boosted humidity in the grove by 20%, dampening fire spread, Zwierzchowski said.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Verizon claimed that Section 222 of the Communications Act covers only call-location data, as opposed to device location data.
    — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of device
Noun
  • Weeks of checking pawn shops and posting reward signs went nowhere.
    — Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Missing pawns, cracked hourglass timers, and flimsy boxes have a way of sneaking up on you.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of pawn
Noun
  • After 2024 treatments, the state saw the impact mostly on carp and sucker fish, spokesperson Sydney Kennedy told the Statesman.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Train yourself to look for growth that should be removed, such as tomato suckers and low-growing tomato branches, excess dahlia foliage, and tangled thyme.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of sucker
Verb
  • Elsewhere, a strange new trend has started, seeing users stitch together clips of Jeremiah from various episodes into horror film-like videos, driving home the message that this is not just another cute, curly-haired college student but a malevolent Disney villain.
    — Olivia Petter, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Discover the fascinating economics driving billion-dollar industries.
    — thehustle.co, thehustle.co, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of drive
Noun
  • He's charged in Pennsylvania with forgery, carrying a firearm without a license, tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of a crime and false identification to law enforcement.
    — Ahmad Hemingway, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The next leap is letting the same instrument sit beside a user's debit balance and rewards points inside a single mobile wallet.
    — Jamie Elkaleh, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of instrument
Noun
  • Doing Your College Research Start by researching actual employment outcomes for specific programs at target schools.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Sagapolutele’s top targets have been UNLV senior transfer wide receiver Jacob De Jesus (17 catches, 141 yards, TD), sophomore tight end Mason Mini (13-99, 2 TDs) and senior wide receiver Trond Grizzell (11-175, TD).
    — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of target
Verb
  • Williams broke up a pass going one on one with talented Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and Norman-Lott motored his way to a one-arm sack of Jalen Hurts.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
  • There’s one that does so particularly well, though trades some spaciousness for motoring fun.
    — Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Definition of motor
Noun
  • Added to this was a disillusioning disappointment with the mechanisms of the art world.
    — Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It’s not fully fleshed out, but a parallel could be made to the effects of anxiety and trauma, and the unhealthy coping mechanisms that accompany them.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of mechanism

Browse Nearby Words

took up with
tool
tooled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tool. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tool

Nglish: Translation of tool for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tool

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