Synonyms for mechanism
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.
Related words
- Word family
- mechanist mechanistic
- Phrases
- defense mechanism defence mechanism coping mechanism
Forms
- Plural
- mechanisms → tools, apparatuses, machines, contraptions…
Choose the right word
Mechanism is a word of wide meaning, denoting any combination of mechanical devices for united action. 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.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- tool Tom says he has a special tool he uses to do that.
- dynamic It might change the dynamic of our relationship.
- apparatus Something is wrong with the experimental apparatus.
- contraption What a peculiar contraption! What on earth is that for?
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| mechanism | steady | |
| tool | rising | |
| dynamic | rising | |
| apparatus | falling | |
| contraption | rising | |
| mechanicism | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- tool1, gear1
- 7 letters
- machine2, dynamic3
- 9 letters
- mechanics3, machinery4, apparatus4, appliance3
- 11 letters
- contraption3, mechanicism
- 12 letters
- mechanistics
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (machine2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- mécanisme
- Italiano
- meccanismo
- Español
- mecanismo
- Deutsch
- Mechanismus