Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun instrument

6 senses of instrument

Sense 1
instrument -- (a device that requires skill for proper use)
       => device -- (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water")

Sense 2
instrument, tool -- (the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new tools to fight disease")
       => means, agency, way -- (how a result is obtained or an end is achieved; "a means of control"; "an example is the best agency of instruction"; "the true way to success")

Sense 3
instrument, pawn, cat's-paw -- (a person used by another to gain an end)
       => assistant, helper, help, supporter -- (a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose; "my invaluable assistant"; "they hired additional help to finish the work")

Sense 4
legal document, legal instrument, official document, instrument -- ((law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right)
       => document, written document, papers -- (writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature))

Sense 5
instrumental role, instrument -- (the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process)
       => semantic role, participant role -- ((linguistics) the underlying relation that a constituent has with the main verb in a clause)

Sense 6
musical instrument, instrument -- (any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds)
       => device -- (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb instrument

3 senses of instrument

Sense 1
instrument -- (equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling)
       => equip, fit, fit out, outfit -- (provide with (something) usually for a specific purpose; "The expedition was equipped with proper clothing, food, and other necessities")

Sense 2
instrument, instrumentate -- (write an instrumental score for)
       => compose, write -- (write music; "Beethoven composed nine symphonies")

Sense 3
instrument -- (address a legal document to)
       => address, direct -- (put an address on (an envelope))