APPLIANCE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of appliance are implement , instrument , tool , and utensil . While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. // household appliances

Q: When is 'implement' a more appropriate choice than 'appliance'?

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

Q: When can 'instrument' be used instead of 'appliance'?

Although the words instrument and appliance have much in common, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. // the dentist's instruments

Q: How do 'tool' and 'implement' relate to one another, in the sense of 'appliance'?

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 would 'utensil' be a good substitute for 'appliance'?

While the synonyms utensil and appliance are close in meaning, utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. // kitchen utensils

appliance

noun

ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s

Definition of appliance

as in gadget

an interesting and often novel device with a practical use since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in accessory

something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment an appliance that allows the machine to be used as a sander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of appliance are implement, instrument, tool, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

When is implement a more appropriate choice than appliance?

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

crude stone implements

farm implements

When can instrument be used instead of appliance?

Although the words instrument and appliance have much in common, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

How do tool and implement relate to one another, in the sense of appliance?

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 would utensil be a good substitute for appliance?

While the synonyms utensil and appliance are close in meaning, 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 appliance The kitchen has been updated with modern stainless steel appliances. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026 Schmid also said power shutting off and coming back on can damage household appliances, including refrigerators, potentially adding to the cost of an outage. — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 The firm predicted that sales in some electronics and appliances will remain flat. — Kif Leswing,annie Palmer,jordan Novet, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Ralph Newhouse, chief executive of Chefman, which makes countertop appliances, said that rising diesel prices could force him to raise prices in the coming months. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appliance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appliance

Noun

And in some states, the bigger legal risk may fall not on Apple, Amazon or other AI gadget makers but on the person wearing the device.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
Conan O’Brien introduced Swift’s performance—O’Brian and Swift both worked on Toy Story 5, with O’Brien voicing the film’s potty training gadget Smarty Pants.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of gadget

Noun

Pack smarter and travel happier with a set of three packing cubes in beautiful, coordinating Indigo patterns to keep clothes, shoes, accessories and travel items organized and easy to find.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
As nature trades its summer greens for a rich tapestry of amber, rust, burgundy, and gold, our wardrobes are following suit—and with all manner of vibrant, textured, statement-making accessories piled on top.

— Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of accessory

Noun

The Air Force wants CCAs to increase the number of aircraft available for a mission while giving pilots additional sensing, targeting, and engagement options.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
In exchange, users are given a smaller pool of options in place of endless swiping.

— Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of option

Browse Nearby Words

applesauce

appliance

appliances

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“Appliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appliance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of appliance

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