mechanisms

noun

plural of mechanism
1
as in devices
a mechanical part or group of parts used to perform a specific task The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed.

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2
as in methods
a series of actions used to achieve an end She was stunned to learn that there was no mechanism in place to remedy the problem.

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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 mechanisms On an average day, our bodies have mechanisms to cool us down and avoid overheating. — Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 29 Aug. 2026 Analysts note that as capital expenditure for AI and cloud infrastructure expands, corporate funding mechanisms are shifting. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 There are mechanisms that make the engine run, brakes work, turn signals indicate when they’re triggered, radios play, headlights go on and off. — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The scientists could also look into the areas of the disks in which the mechanisms studied operate. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 But the strength of these mechanisms will depend on details not yet public. — Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 The Comedy industry is ever-changing and the historic mechanisms that once anointed comedians no longer exists. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 But the mechanisms that saved the oak are now slowly killing it. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 The Athletic has previously detailed the mechanisms of the new rules in some depth but, to refresh, SCR is a financial rule first introduced by UEFA in June 2022, and first operated in the 2023-24 season. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanisms
  1. devices
  2. methods
  3. machines
  4. systems
  5. tools
  6. procedures
  7. processes
Noun
  • Instead, Cramer pointed to Cook's ability to sustain the iPhone's appeal and keep consumers coming back through successive generations of premium devices.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Infecting already compromised devices Research published Monday brings the threat into much clearer view.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of devices
Noun
  • This challenging job, involving inserting flexible plugs into moving targets, was previously unautomatable by traditional methods.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Some of these methods may vary based on your conversation with your neighbor and local laws.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of methods
Noun
  • The quirky robot is a notable departure from the more unsettling machines that typically make headlines today.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The pace of improvement in AI models has led many observers to predict that human intelligence may soon be overtaken by the cognitive capacity of machines.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of machines
Noun
  • West Suburban closed in March, after the hospital’s CEO said problems with the billing systems left the hospital short on cash.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For smaller operators without dedicated systems, that administrative weight creates constant friction.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of systems
Noun
  • The recent moves have been compared to tools the Federal Reserve has used in the past to provide liquidity to debt markets and to hold rates in check.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Document tools support multi-document chats, translation, presentation creation, and PDF interactions.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of tools
Noun
  • Some undergo cosmetic procedures and reportedly inject their bodies with peptides, testosterone, and other substances that enhance their physiques.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Parton did not disclose the nature of those procedures at the time.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of procedures
Noun
  • The domestic supply shortfall for wafers manufactured using advanced processes of 7 nanometres (nm) and below is projected to fall from 92% in 2025 to 34% by 2035, according to the investment bank.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders can maintain alumni relationships, make re-entry culturally acceptable and ensure hiring processes do not automatically treat departure as disloyalty.
    — Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of processes

Browse Nearby Words

mechanism
mechanisms
mechanization
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Cite this Entry

“Mechanisms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanisms. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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