paraphernalia

noun

ˌper-ə-fər-ˈnāl-yə How to pronounce paraphernalia (audio)
Definition of paraphernalianext
1
as in equipment
items needed for the performance of a task or activity mountain-climbing paraphernalia

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in possession
transportable items that one owns packed up all of their paraphernalia for the move across the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 paraphernalia The eight remaining student-age defendants face misdemeanor counts of possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, the office said. — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 The remaining eight students face misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 An investigation revealed the suspect was under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 When a friend was unable to reach Goldstein before a flight to a gig in Las Vegas, the friend called 911, and authorities found Goldstein in his bed with drug paraphernalia nearby. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paraphernalia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paraphernalia
  1. equipment
  2. possession
  3. gear
  4. things
  5. apparatus
  6. belongings
  7. stuff
Noun
  • Goldman expects China’s wafer fabrication equipment market to reach $53 billion in 2027.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Oilfield-services giant Halliburton is also in talks to bring equipment to the country, and executives from several oil-and-gas companies will sign production deals next week, the report added.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of equipment
Noun
  • Geneva rolled up 466 yards and crossed the goal line on six of its 10 possessions.
    — Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The 10-play scoring drive was possible in part because of a 17-yard pass from Hyppolite to Ty Hayes on fourth and 5 that kept the possession alive and moved them into the red zone.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of possession
Noun
  • For all their advantages, quantum technologies are extremely sensitive, and these devices can be thrown out of gear by the slightest changes in temperature or environmental noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Outdoor deals With summer winding down, score deals on patio furniture, smart birdfeeders and other outdoor gear.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of gear
Noun
  • You could be tempted to dismiss a creative venture or categorize a social invite as frivolous, all because there are more productive things to do.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The curved back is another nice touch that keeps things modern and fresh.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • Park Police said a supporting apparatus failed, causing the bus to come down on him.
    — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Without an overhaul of the nation’s homeland security apparatus, Washington is in danger of making this mistake again.
    — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • The shortages are adding to the hardships of those living in temporary shelters after having lost homes and belongings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The company says riders should gather their belongings upon arrival at the decision, exit the vehicle, close all doors and provide feedback via the app upon conclusion of their ride.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of belongings
Noun
  • Aesha sends Kayley to deal with it, but a regular sink plunger can’t do the job — Nathan has to suction the stuff out with the wet vacuum.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That foul ball, no foul ball in the fourth inning changes stuff, too.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of stuff

Browse Nearby Words

parapets
paraphernalia
paraphrase
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Cite this Entry

“Paraphernalia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paraphernalia. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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