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

Relevance

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

Synonym Chooser

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 Bonfig said the company remains confident in the health of the consumer and is well-positioned in categories including TV, appliances and phones. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Coverage can be particularly helpful for short-term rentals, where systems and appliances see heavy use. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Though your home may have its share of appliances, mail, mugs, or anything else that lives on your countertops daily, they should be removed before listing. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026 Canada responded to Trump’s import taxes this week by imposing retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of American goods, including steel, dairy products, appliances and farm equipment. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appliance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appliance

Noun

Veteran Emari Demercado should start the season as the third-down passing back, with Brashard Smith mixing in as a gadget piece and kick returner.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Here is what these gadgets claim to do and what gastroenterologists say about trusting the results.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gadget

Noun

There’s no shortage of great accessories on the table, either.

— Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Handmade accessories and nature-inspired looks fit comfortably into the grounds, especially when shoes have picked up a little dust and the original outfit plan has been revised by several hours outdoors.

— Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of accessory

Noun

Because individual-stock premiums are currently richer, managers may also be able to meet their income targets by writing options against a smaller portion of the portfolio.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
When Chelsea try to shift the ball back across to the right, Brighton press man-to-man and force Fofana to the touchline, leaving him with little option other than to play a long ball into the channel in the direction of Neto.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of appliance

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