1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in invention
something (as a device) created for the first time through the use of the imagination
despite the many modern contrivances for saving time and labor, we seem to have less leisure and energy than ever before
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
in that writer's hands, narrative contrivance can often deteriorate into pointless gimmickry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivance
But contrivances now become necessary to keep some of the new supporting figures in play in a story like this.
—
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
It should be replaced with a sprawling, soulless contrivance.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Apr. 2025
At one level, the film offers a comic commentary on the repetition of certain dramatic contrivances down the years.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
The builder of the applet has seeded into the applet the whole contrivance about the importance of video game playing.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
It should be replaced with a sprawling, soulless contrivance.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Apr. 2025
At one level, the film offers a comic commentary on the repetition of certain dramatic contrivances down the years.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
The builder of the applet has seeded into the applet the whole contrivance about the importance of video game playing.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
The deal brings OpenAI into the world of hardware, and underscores the growing sense in Silicon Valley that smart AI assistants could upend the gadget world.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
22 May 2025
-
Popular among tweens and teenagers, Five Below is known for offering a variety of merchandise including snacks, tech gadgets, beauty items and home decor, with most products priced between $1 and $5.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Separating fact from invention is difficult, but there have been rumors that there was more than one murderer, the killing was drug-related and — perhaps most disturbingly — that Driscoll was either dismembered or flayed alive.—
Alex Heigl,
People.com,
18 May 2025
-
Expect to find a wealth of photographic imagery from all corners of the globe, spanning almost two centuries since the invention of photography by Louise Daguerre in 1830 to the present day.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Theoretical physics has long held a special place in the scientific imagination — not just for its foundational questions, but for its strangeness.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Partnering with Hrithik Roshan is a step forward in realizing that vision, crafting a film where intensity meets imagination on a grand scale.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
These foods serve as guilt-free pick-me-ups and stress relievers, used as tools for temporary self-soothing.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Parents,
20 May 2025
-
In practice, the marketing language around these tools tends not to capture the ways that actual humans use them.—
Damon Beres,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Tailoring your rest strategy to your business stage boosts innovation and prevents burnout.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Like the Europeans, Trump seems willing to take the tradeoff — less innovation and access to the latest drugs in exchange for lower prices.—
Allison Schrager,
Twin Cities,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
The contraption is up for pre-order now at US$469, with shipping expected to start soon.—
Paul Ridden
May 11,
New Atlas,
11 May 2025
-
Retro-looking flashy contraptions like the Ford Volante concept car.—
Joe Salas
May 07,
New Atlas,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
In his absence, the first-place Cubs have consistently found different ways to win games and reshape their pitching staff, demonstrating resilience and creativity.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
The vibrant musical, a salute to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and ’30s, celebrates Black excellence, creativity and joy with exuberant and passionate singing and dancing, gorgeous period costumes and ebullient choreography.—
Matthew J. Palm,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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