Synonyms for mechanism
ˈmɛk əˌnɪz əmmech·a·nism

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.5 / 4 votes

1. mechanism

   A tool is something that is both contrived and used for extending the force of an intelligent agent to something that is to be operated upon. Those things by which pacific and industrial operations are performed are alone properly called tools, those designed for warlike purposes being designated weapons. An instrument is anything through which power is applied and a result produced; in general usage, the word is of considerably wider meaning than tool; as, a piano is a musical instrument. Instrument is the word usually applied to tools used in scientific pursuits; as, we speak of a surgeon's or an optician's instruments. An implement is a mechanical agency considered with reference to some specific purpose to which it is adapted; as, an agricultural implement; implements of war. Implement is a less technical and artificial term than tool. The paw of a tiger might be termed a terrible implement, but not a tool. A utensil is that which may be used for some special purpose; the word is especially applied to articles used for domestic or agricultural purposes; as, kitchen utensils; farming utensils. An appliance is that which is or may be applied to the accomplishment of a result, either independently or as subordinate to something more extensive or important; every mechanical tool is an appliance, but not every appliance is a tool; the traces of a harness are appliances for traction, but they are not tools. Mechanism is a word of wide meaning, denoting any combination of mechanical devices for united action. A machine in the most general sense is any mechanical instrument for the conversion of motion; in this sense a lever is a machine; but in more commonly accepted usage a machine is distinguished from a tool by its complexity, and by the combination and coordination of powers and movements for the production of a result. A chisel by itself is a tool; when it is set so as to be operated by a crank and pitman, the entire mechanism is called a machine; as, a mortising-machine. An apparatus may be a machine, but the word is commonly used for a collection of distinct articles to be used in connection or combination for a certain purpose — a mechanical equipment; as, the apparatus of a gymnasium; especially, for a collection of appliances for some scientific purpose; as, a chemical or surgical apparatus; an apparatus may include many tools, instruments, or implements. Implement is for the most part and utensil is altogether restricted to the literal sense; instrument, machine, and tool have figurative use, instrument being used largely in a good, tool always in a bad sense; machine inclines to the unfavorable sense, as implying that human agents are made mechanically subservient to some controlling will; as, an instrument of Providence; the tool of a tyrant; a political machine.

   Synonyms:
   apparatus, appliance, implement, instrument, machine, tool, utensil, weapon

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:2.3 / 3 votes

1. mechanism, chemical mechanismnoun

   the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction

   "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions"

   Synonyms:
   mechanics, chemical mechanism

2. mechanism, mechanicsnoun

   the technical aspects of doing something

   "a mechanism of social control"; "mechanisms of communication"; "the mechanics of prose style"

   Synonyms:
   mechanics, chemical mechanism

3. mechanismnoun

   a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function

   "the mechanism of the ear"; "the mechanism of infection"

   Synonyms:
   mechanics, chemical mechanism

4. mechanismnoun

   (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes

   Synonyms:
   mechanics, chemical mechanism

5. mechanismnoun

   device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function

   Synonyms:
   mechanics, chemical mechanism

Matched Categories

1. • Chemical Process
   • Device
   • Natural Object
   • Performance
   • Philosophical Doctrine
   • Philosophy

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. mechanismnoun

   Synonyms:
   mechanical action, mechanical agency

2. mechanismnoun

   Synonyms:
   machinery

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "mechanism":

   machinery, mechanisms, facility, device, mécanisme, aprm, arrangement, system, nmwr, tool, instrument, scheme, nwm, process, gearbox, mecanismo

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How to use mechanism in a sentence?

1. Keith Allman:

   I'm raised Catholic, and I thought that (the hijab) was a control mechanism of men over women, she had me thinking it's not different than praying a rosary.

2. Melody Wilding:

   It's a violent breeder of resentment, the problem usually is that people don't have the mechanism to deal with conflict. So the conflict goes unaddressed and things stall or implode because problems aren't being solved.

3. Jalaluddin Haqqani:

   Already girls are allowed to go to school up to grade 6, and above that grade, the work is continuing on a mechanism, very soon, Jalaluddin Haqqani will hear very good news about this issue, God willing.

4. Ilan Solot:

   This is brinkmanship. In the end, everybody will probably be sensible but there's a risk of a policy mistake. Part of the problem is both sides feel emboldened, greece is in a better economic situation than it was before ... and the government has a strong mandate from the people to change. But the EU is emboldened too because there are a lot more backstops than before, the ESM (European Stability Mechanism) is in place, and you can see the contagion is so much smaller. Spanish and Italian yields hardly moved in this crisis.

5. Gennadiy Goldberg:

   The underlying focus is still on oil because people are looking at the transmission mechanism to the real economy of lower oil prices, lower oil prices are maybe great for the consumer, but not unilaterally good for the U.S economy. So you're seeing a bond market reaction to lower oil prices.