CONTRIVANCE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

contrivance

noun

kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s

Definition of contrivance

as in gadget

an interesting and often novel device with a practical use a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 contrivance Even those unfamiliar with the story are likely to scoff at the new plot contrivances. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026 One belief is that this is essentially a monopolistic contrivance. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026 That was complemented by what was known as a Tony Gwynn SoloHitter contrivance, through which four chords connected to a baseball would reset the ball to its waist-high starting point after each thwacking during all hours of the day. — Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrivance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance

Noun

The smart glasses users, some in California, allege the gadget captured footage of themselves and family members undressing, going to the bathroom, having sex and entering passwords.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
From there, a professional kitchen where Popeil tested many of his famous household gadgets transitions to a formal dining room.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of gadget

Noun

With its latest invention, Domino’s has taken what would seem like a standard-issue, limited-time offering and inflated it into a statement of identity.

— Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2026
Galeo’s practical inventions and growing trust in his sister offer a different path to bravery than the one his village has taught him.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of invention

Noun

Although the story of Odysseus binding himself to the mast to resist the Sirens’ song may belong to the mythical imagination, plenty of desperate souls have gone to heroic lengths to obstruct their wayward desires.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
An imagination, too, can run wild after the Nats swept the Los Angeles Angels, who seem bound for 100 losses.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of imagination

Noun

Following his arrest, authorities found a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines, about 190 rounds of ammunition, pepper spray, an entrenchment tool, and about 30 knives, according to the affidavit.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
The market is pricing in a more than 90% chance of a rate hike this afternoon, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool .

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

Newsom, in his veto message at the time, cited concerns about stifling innovation and said smaller AI models, which would have been exempt from the law, could also be dangerous.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
The plan is to deepen the brand’s presence in key markets and invest in product development and innovation across its signature collections — Prestige, Elysium, Aoud, Isola and Art.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of innovation

Noun

Finally, the industry’s ability to adapt and diversify will remain critical, both in terms of technology and creativity, as well as business models and corporate structures.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
The Moon enters Capricorn and your playful 5th house, inviting you toward hobbies, romance, creativity, and pleasure.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of creativity

Browse Nearby Words

contrition

contrivance

contrivances

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contrivance

noun

Example Sentences

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