automation

noun

ˌȯ-tə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce automation (audio)
Definition of automationnext
as in mechanization
the process of putting an apparatus, operation, or system under the control or regulation of mechanical or electronic devices feared that automation would add millions to the ranks of the unemployed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 automation So does automation with poor economics, surveillance disguised as productivity, weak controls and technology that removes useful human judgement without creating equivalent value. — Kelvin Cheema, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 That concern comes as more delivery companies experiment with automation to reduce operating costs. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 In theory, automation in customer service should mean human agents spend less time on admin and more time helping customers with problems that require human judgment, empathy and experience. — Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 Feigenbaum with the Reason Foundation said that automation of a major transit line such as in Los Angeles or Washington could open the floodgates for other cities to follow. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for automation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automation
mechanization
Noun
  • The mechanization of what makes a theme park a theme park is simply too complex, too vast and involving too many people to be dismissed as fake.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Machinery worked tirelessly, but placing mechanization into a workflow designed for manual human labor created severe bottlenecks.
    — Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of mechanization

Browse Nearby Words

automatics
automation
automations
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Cite this Entry

“Automation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on automation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about automation

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