instrumentalist

noun

ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ist How to pronounce instrumentalist (audio)
Definition of instrumentalistnext
as in musician
a person who plays a musical instrument he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist

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 instrumentalist Even Rodrigo’s backing band, full of absolutely shredding women instrumentalists, played beside her on equal footing for exquisitely tasteful, post-punky revisions of songs across her three albums. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The announcement could go after the one about what to do if the theater is overrun by period instrumentalists. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Now 94, Cynthia still entertains with tales of bygone Barbados at the family's regular guest cocktail parties, whilst dinner is underscored by jazz singers and instrumentalists. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 The neighborhood band, a community effort, draws 20 to 30 instrumentalists each year and rehearses just once, 30 minutes before the procession. — Georgia Ross, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumentalist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumentalist
  1. musician
  2. artist
  3. performer
Noun
  • The fashion double act perfectly fit the rhythm of a musician whose personal style has become increasingly eclectic, oscillating between oversized sportswear, collegiate staples, rare archival finds, and extraordinarily expensive accessories.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The musician’s footwear choice is a common one, often seen with classic black and white suiting moments.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of musician
Noun
  • Ticketmaster has long said artists and promoters set those prices.
    — James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Asked about music, the artist somewhat reluctantly traces his affinity back to childhood.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of artist
Noun
  • Ortiz and another performer, Magdellena Romero, were arrested.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Jensen has the vocal equivalent of a familiar face, which for another performer could become a disadvantage.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of performer

Browse Nearby Words

instrumental
instrumentalist
instrumentalists
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Cite this Entry

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

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