1
as in apparatus
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 system
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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Recent Examples of mechanism
Molinaroli’s strategy sees philanthropy as a mechanism to strengthen the talent infrastructure that underpins economic growth.
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Connie Etemadi, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Courtesy Megan Garcia via AP Garcia testified that the platform had no mechanisms to protect her son or notify an adult when teens were spending too much time interacting with Chatbots.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Currently, schools receive about $15,000 annually per student through the state’s main funding mechanism, the Local Control Funding Formula, with an additional $7,000 coming from the federal government, block grants, lottery money, special education funds and other sources.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Given that going public is a fundraising mechanism, the next question is where companies will empty their coffers.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mechanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanism
Noun
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The decisive role of security forces Multiple experts agreed that Iran’s future hinges on whether the regime’s coercive apparatus, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Basij militia and the regular military, remains intact.—
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In December 2025, the heavy apparatus count was down to 240 and 207 ambulances with 90 service orders, according to LAFD data.—
Noun
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Park thanked residents across the city for donating and offering help without condition, as well as the volunteers, first responders, workers, faith groups, nonprofits and businesses that stepped in to fill the gaps before government systems could catch up.—
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
Noun
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Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
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The nightstand includes two power outlets and two USB connectors to closely charge your smart watch, phone, and other devices as well.—
Noun
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Now, for about five years, she's adopted the method for herself.—
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The farmers also pitched in with efforts of their own, including adjusting fertilizer methods, controlling soil erosion and increasing on-site water retention.—
Noun
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One of the machine’s more noteworthy features is its 96-ounce capacity.—
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Pedro lowered his arms and rested his machine against a tree.—
Noun
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Romanucci said the litigation team representing Good's family will have to follow a different process than the path used to file a civil lawsuit against a city or state over a police killing like Floyd's.—
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The process is known to heat the exterior of the returning spacecraft to more than 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,926 degrees Celsius), creating a buildup of plasma and triggering a minutes-long communication blackout.—
Noun
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Gardening Tools Garden tools should be cleaned after every use to remove fungi, bacteria, and pests that can be transferred to healthy plants.—
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And keep your in-flight essentials like headphones, sleep mask, e-reader, and other tech tools together in your personal item that stays with you at the seat rather than in the overhead bin.—
Noun
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The Dancing with the Stars alum, 28, posted a series of Instagram Stories, sharing close-up glimpses of her lips before and after the procedure.—
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Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.—
Cite this Entry
“Mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanism. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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