OpenSynonym

machine

/məˈʃiːn/

NOUN

1. A device that uses or directs energy to perform work

A mechanical or electrical device consisting of interconnected parts that uses energy to perform a particular task, produce movement, or achieve a specific effect.

1.1. Mechanical equipment and apparatus

Refers to a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific physical operation, process materials, or make work easier through mechanical or electrical power.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The factory installed a new machine to increase production efficiency.
  • I need to repair the machine in the garage before it can be used again.
  • The technician inspected the engine and other components of the industrial machine.

Related Words

1.2. Computing and electronic devices

Describes an electronic or programmable device, particularly a computer, that processes information, executes instructions, and performs computational tasks.

Synonyms

  • computer
  • automaton
  • robot

Examples

  • The powerful machine processes millions of calculations every second.
  • The technician configured the machine to run the new software.
  • Modern machines can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A mechanically operated vehicle

A motorized vehicle or conveyance, especially an automobile, designed to transport people or goods.

2.1. Automobiles and motor vehicles

Refers to a car or other motor vehicle, particularly when emphasizing its mechanical performance, power, or physical characteristics.

Synonyms

Examples

  • He bought a powerful machine that can handle rough terrain.
  • The vintage machine was carefully restored by an automobile enthusiast.
  • The racing driver pushed the machine to its limits on the track.

Related Words

  • sedan
  • coupe
  • convertible
  • roadster
  • limousine
  • minivan
  • hatchback
  • station wagon
  • sports car
  • engine

NOUN

3. A person or organization operating with mechanical efficiency

A person, group, or organization that functions with exceptional efficiency, discipline, consistency, or single-minded determination, often appearing impersonal or unemotional.

3.1. Highly efficient and disciplined individuals

Describes a person who performs tasks with remarkable consistency, speed, precision, and determination, seemingly operating like a well-functioning machine.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The athlete was a machine on the field, consistently outperforming every opponent.
  • She worked like a machine, completing each assignment with remarkable speed and precision.
  • The experienced performer is a well-oiled machine during live productions.

Related Words

3.2. Organized groups and institutional systems

Refers to an organized group of people, departments, or agencies working together in a coordinated way to achieve a common purpose or maintain institutional operations.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The organization operated as a powerful political machine with influence throughout the region.
  • The entire administrative machine worked together to implement the new policy.
  • The campaign machine mobilized thousands of volunteers before election day.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A political organization controlling party activities

An organized political group, particularly one controlled by influential leaders, that coordinates party activities, mobilizes supporters, and exercises political influence through established networks.

4.1. Political party organization and influence

Describes a powerful political organization, often operating through local networks and influential figures, that controls party operations, elections, appointments, or political patronage.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The city's political machine maintained its influence through a network of loyal supporters.
  • The reform movement challenged the corrupt political machine that had controlled local elections for decades.
  • The party machine coordinated campaign activities across several districts.

Related Words

  • political party
  • patronage
  • constituency
  • political influence
  • campaign
  • party leadership
  • political establishment
  • electoral organization

NOUN

5. An answering machine or voicemail system

A device or service that automatically answers telephone calls and records messages when the intended recipient is unavailable.

5.1. Telephone message recording

Refers to an answering machine or voicemail system that receives calls and stores recorded messages for later retrieval.

Synonyms

  • answering machine
  • voicemail
  • answerphone

Examples

  • I left a message on her machine because she was not home.
  • The machine recorded the caller's message after several unanswered rings.

Related Words

NOUN

6. A supernatural agency or theatrical device

A supernatural force, divine intervention, or theatrical mechanism introduced to resolve a difficult situation or bring about an unexpected outcome, particularly in classical drama.

6.1. Classical theater and deus ex machina

Describes a theatrical device or supernatural intervention, traditionally involving a god appearing through stage machinery, used to resolve a seemingly unsolvable conflict in a dramatic story.

Synonyms

  • deus ex machina
  • divine intervention

Examples

  • The playwright introduced a divine machine to resolve the seemingly impossible conflict.
  • Critics considered the unexpected rescue a deus ex machina that weakened the story's ending.

Related Words

  • Greek theater
  • stage machinery
  • dramatic resolution
  • supernatural agency
  • divinity
  • plot device
  • theatrical convention

VERB

7. To manufacture or shape using machinery

To produce, process, shape, or finish an object by using machines or mechanical equipment rather than performing the work entirely by hand.

7.1. Mechanical manufacturing and processing

Refers to producing or shaping materials and components with machinery, including cutting, drilling, milling, turning, or finishing operations.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The factory machines metal components to precise engineering specifications.
  • The workshop machines each part before assembling the finished product.
  • The manufacturer machines the surface to achieve a smooth finish.

Related Words