utensil

noun

yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
Definition of utensilnext
as in tool
an article intended for use in work participants in the class must supply their own writing utensils

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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 If your dishwasher has an upper third rack for utensils, Sala says to lay knives and cutlery there to avoid safety hazards and free up space in the silverware caddy. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025 Small knives and other utensils were found stored under a paper towel dispenser at a kitchen hand-washing sink. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025 This innovative utensil uses a mild electric current to simulate a salty taste without adding sodium, offering a potential breakthrough for those on low-sodium diets. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Plus, other essentials like a set of bamboo cutting boards, a knife block set, and a set of various cooking utensils are on sale for a fraction of the price. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utensil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utensil
  1. tool
  2. device
  3. instrument
Noun
  • The website offers screening and assessment tools, informational articles, self-help guides and a guide to providers in Kane County.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Features include integrated evaluation tools, memory capabilities for context retention and robust tracing for debugging.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of tool
Noun
  • On Easter Sunday, this paper contained an editorial that employed the same literary device: It was penned by an angel.
    — Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Use a filtration device or air conditioning with a filter in your home.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of device
Noun
  • Will fly one scientific instrument awarded under NASA’s CLPS initiative.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
  • In short the efforts underway at BNY have the potential to unlock better transparency, traceability, and insights for tokenized products whether or not said instruments are stored on-chain or secured via off-chain mechanisms.
    — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of instrument

Browse Nearby Words

usurps
utensil
utensils
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Utensil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utensil. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on utensil

Nglish: Translation of utensil for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All