1
as in certificate
a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something
a valid will is a legal instrument
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2
as in tool
an article intended for use in work
always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job
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3
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end
he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people
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4
as in pawn
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instrument
Michele Molon will become group chief executive officer of Germany’s Schwan-Stabilo Group, the 800 million euro company specializing in cosmetics, writing instruments and outdoor products.
—
David Moin, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival from August 7 to 10 offers a program of folk music that emphasizes a capella singing and acoustic instruments as well as the Clare Bluegrass festival over the same period, where the program reflects and highlights the Acadian traditions here.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025
The company has positioned its technology as a crucial instrument in the broader fight against biodiversity loss.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Plenty of instruments from these two music legends have popped u at auction over the years.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
David Moin, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival from August 7 to 10 offers a program of folk music that emphasizes a capella singing and acoustic instruments as well as the Clare Bluegrass festival over the same period, where the program reflects and highlights the Acadian traditions here.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025
The company has positioned its technology as a crucial instrument in the broader fight against biodiversity loss.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Plenty of instruments from these two music legends have popped u at auction over the years.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrument
Noun
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Google's career certificates—offered through platforms like Coursera—can be completed in just three to six months, providing a fast, practical pathway into high-demand AI roles.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Leaving prison with $20 and a high school equivalency certificate, Fauteck straightened up.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Noun
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An early morning fire at Arlington Garden in Pasadena on May 21 destroyed the garden’s storage shed and all the tools, event furniture and other equipment stored inside, as well as the electricity that powered its extensive drip irrigation system.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
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Opponents argue that non-lethal tools like bear-proof trash cans, fencing, and hazing should be used instead.—
Maria Davidson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
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Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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What follows across ten episodes are assassination attempts, uneasy alliances, and deft political manoeuvring as the regents use Blackthorne like a pawn.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
-
At that point, the Kremlin can use Iran as a pawn to make deals with other powers.—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Noun
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Harvard’s lawsuit said the administration violated the government’s own regulations for withdrawing a school’s certification.—
Collin Binkley,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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Harvard The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students by terminating its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Noun
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At that point, the OS will be fairly mature and connected to all the important devices.—
Daisuke Takimoto,
Wired News,
27 May 2025
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This method typically includes large volumes of granular data such as cookies, device IDs and timestamps across multiple channels.—
Rahul Wankhede,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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The company’s 2025 delivery target is 5.5 million vehicles globally.—
Yue Wang,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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In both mishaps, the upper stage, the vehicle where astronauts and cargo would ride, came apart mere minutes into its flight instead of landing as planned in the Indian Ocean.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
Noun
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My dad was a crime scene detective, my mom was an undercover narcotics agent, and my stepfather was an FBI agent.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
23 May 2025
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The agents, most of which are set to be available by the end of 2025, can perform a variety of tasks; one handles sourcing and procurement, while another creates and manages quotes and still another orchestrates stock and handles in-store inventory details.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrument. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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