device

noun

di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
Definition of devicenext
1
as in scheme
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end used every device and stratagem he knew to prevent his son's marriage

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2
as in tool
an article intended for use in work the salesclerk tried to sell me a new device for grooming cats

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in genius
devices plural a habitual attraction to some activity or thing left to her own devices she'd eat at a fast-food restaurant every night of the week

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 device Emergency workers continued to extinguish fires and identify and neutralize explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla, Zelensky added. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 However, a new, stubbier Apple Pencil, reportedly tested for the foldable device, is unlikely to debut alongside it. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 As the new school year begins, the debate over digital versus analog learning rages on, while more school districts reconsider the role of devices in the classroom. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Unlike older surveillance cameras, Flock transfers information captured by its devices into a searchable database that authorities can access without a warrant. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for device
Recent Examples of Synonyms for device
  1. scheme
  2. tool
  3. genius
  4. ruse
  5. instrument
  6. talent
  7. trick
  8. faculty
Noun
  • McNeal added that his second year in the offense has given him more confidence in the scheme and motivated him to get stronger to contribute in the run game.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • The New York Times has approved AI tools across its editorial and product teams and built an internal summarization tool called Echo, while barring staff from using AI to draft or substantially revise an article.
    — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The team hired Moonshot to monitor online threats against its players – using tools that Moonshot developed a decade ago for national security purposes.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tool
Noun
  • The Musk Myth How Hollywood burnished the entrepreneur’s image as a benevolent genius.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Like Musk, Jobs was seen as a genius founder whose persona was woven into his company’s DNA.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of genius
Noun
  • There’s a fun bit when Green pulls her badge to walk Reacher out through the police cordon, pretending to have placed him under arrest, but the ruse doesn’t last long.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Patterson was accused of pretending to eat the same portion, and of feigning illness in an elaborate ruse to suggest she’d also been poisoned.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • During an operation, a surgeon controls robotic arms fitted with small instruments while viewing the surgical area through a three-dimensional vision system.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the meantime, the observatory will go through commissioning — testing out its instruments in space and deploying the antenna that will relay Roman’s massive imagery back to Earth.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of instrument
Noun
  • During his seven-year tenure at the agency, Caoduro advised leading international fashion and luxury brands across global communications, media and corporate strategy and talent engagement.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, genetics and talent establish the ceiling, but the evidence suggests a supportive sibling ecosystem helps alchemize raw potential into greatness, and the sibling that benefits most is the one that comes later.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • The ceremony brought together cadets, faculty, staff and guests and opened with a color guard and pipe and drum procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority Police Department.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The school now offers more than 200 AI courses, such as on AI basics and ethics, for any student or faculty member regardless of their technical knowledge.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of faculty

Browse Nearby Words

deviations
device
devices
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Cite this Entry

“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/device. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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