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
  • But globs of liquid mercury worked just fine to show the melting shards coming together, even though its toxicity meant the special effects crew had to wear protective gear over the two-day shoot.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The truck was traveling with gear from Tuesday night’s concert at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, per the newspaper.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of gear
Noun
  • When those things do start happening, the scares are every bit as effective as the buildup promises.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • However, Heaika expects some things in return and isn’t happy to see Ejva fall for his cousin.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • Responding to those new threats is going to require a rebuilt and potentially reimagined federal public health apparatus.
    — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The anglers used a special saddle-style weighing apparatus to check each laker’s weight.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparatus
Noun
  • Home insurance covers your home and belongings from unexpected events like fire, theft or natural disasters.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Welcomed by Herky the Hornet, the cheer team and the campus community, the students and their families checked in before unloading their belongings and setting up their new rooms.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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