Thesaurus results for UTENSIL

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

Some common synonyms of utensil are appliance , implement , instrument , and tool . While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. // kitchen utensils

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

While the synonyms appliance and utensil are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. // household appliances

Q: When would 'implement' be a good substitute for 'utensil'?

The words implement and utensil can be used in similar contexts, but implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. // crude stone implements // farm implements

Q: When might 'instrument' be a better fit than 'utensil'?

While in some cases nearly identical to utensil , 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 'utensil'?

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

utensil

noun

yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl

Definition of utensil

as in tool

an article intended for use in work participants in the class must supply their own writing utensils

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of utensil are appliance, implement, instrument, and tool. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

When is appliance a more appropriate choice than utensil?

While the synonyms appliance and utensil are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

When would implement be a good substitute for utensil?

The words implement and utensil can be used in similar contexts, but implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

When might instrument be a better fit than utensil?

While in some cases nearly identical to utensil, 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 utensil?

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

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 utensil One of the most useful utensils in the kitchen is also one of the simplest and most often overlooked is the spatula. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 In Italy, the spoon technique is used only to teach small children to eat with utensils. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 The inside of the microwave was dirty, raw chicken was sitting out at room temperature and utensils were stored on the floor. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026 Most RVs have a basic kitchen with a stove, fridge, and a small sink, but the cookware and utensils can vary from one to another. — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utensil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for utensil

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

In complementary work, the POWERlab developed multi-channel GaN devices that spread current across several conduction paths, lowering resistance and reducing overheating.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Emergency workers continued to extinguish fires and identify and neutralize explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla, Zelenskyy added.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of device

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

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usurps

utensil

utensils

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

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Synonyms of utensil

noun

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