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
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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
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Ponies is overly reliant on coincidences and characters making unlikely mistakes to keep the plot moving, and all that contrivance leads to some Swiss-cheese-like plotting in the season’s back half.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Jan. 2026
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—
Sacbee.com,
18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Ponies is overly reliant on coincidences and characters making unlikely mistakes to keep the plot moving, and all that contrivance leads to some Swiss-cheese-like plotting in the season’s back half.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Jan. 2026
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—
Sacbee.com,
18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
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Best Amazon Prime Day Outlet Home Deals Everything from luxurious bedding to clever cleaning gadgets is marked down in Amazon’s home section today.
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Directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, the fifth installment follows Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang of anthropomorphic toys as their owner Bonnie becomes addicted to her new favorite gadget, a kiddie smart tablet known as Lilypad.
Noun
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The World's Fair, as it's also known, introduced millions of people to inventions, architecture and ideas that still influence our lives today.
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Basically, Larry went through world history, dumping on every great invention.
Noun
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There’s a certain elegance and sophistication to rooftop bars and restaurants captured in the American imagination.
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His themes are learned; his settings numerous and far-flung; his imagination apocalyptic, but very, very funny.
Noun
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The analyst sees scope for further penetration of this tool as advertisers using the product are increasing spending at nearly twice the rate of non-users.
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FolderFort also includes flexible sharing tools, allowing users to generate public links or restrict access to specific collaborators.
Noun
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The South Asian diaspora witnessed a wave of musical innovation in the early 1980s, producing a number of records that would go on to earn landmark status.
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This innovation promises genuine improvement for golfers of all skill levels, offering a tangible advantage on the greens.
Noun
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There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
Noun
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With a turn of a crank, Edison astonished the dozen or so staffers who had gathered around the contraption.
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These genius contraptions help remove moisture from the air and can make a big difference in cooling down the house.
Noun
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Your creativity is eager and focused as the Sagittarius moon coordinates with Saturn.
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Produced by Milos-Films and shot at Hélium Films’ studios in Switzerland’s Lausanne, the short follows three handcrafted monkeys who transform a cold animation studio into a vibrant jungle through creativity, collaboration and resourcefulness.
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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