1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—
Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Dara’s performance remains its only bright element but even that gets lost in the many surrounding contrivances.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
The otherwise puzzling choice to film her monologuing about Mormonism while driving feels like a contrivance to extract her from the luxurious interiors that are Bravolebrities’ natural habitat.
—Judy Berman, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
These contrivances became so well known that, in 2009, the All-American Rejects guitarist Nick Wheeler spent much of his appearance mocking them.
—Kim Hew-Low, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Dara’s performance remains its only bright element but even that gets lost in the many surrounding contrivances.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
The otherwise puzzling choice to film her monologuing about Mormonism while driving feels like a contrivance to extract her from the luxurious interiors that are Bravolebrities’ natural habitat.
—Judy Berman, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
These contrivances became so well known that, in 2009, the All-American Rejects guitarist Nick Wheeler spent much of his appearance mocking them.
—Kim Hew-Low, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
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While a reliable snow shovel is essential, adding smart gadgets like an automatic car starter or a quality ice melt to your arsenal can make those frosty mornings far less daunting.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The inspiration behind LinkerBot LinkerBot CEO Zhou revealed that the inspiration to build dexterous human hands came from watching Doraemon, a famous Japanese cartoon character known for possessing innovative gadgets.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The invention was later marketed by Polaroid as the Land Camera.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The invention of coating the tip of a stick with sulfur first appeared in English markets in 1829.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All doubled down on the idea that the monarch’s primary attribute should be a sense of duty — something Edward, in the popular imagination, lacked.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Still, an unchecked imagination has its own charms.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Administration officials have made the children’s savings tool from the megabill a key part of their affordability pitch.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
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The sheriff's office confirmed investigators are looking into investigative genetic genealogy, a relatively new forensic tool made possible by the rise in popularity of consumer genetic testing, where people can send their DNA to find out about their ancestry and locate potential relatives.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Both Moscow and Kyiv have cutting-edge drone warfare capabilities forged in the grim laboratory of war where battlefield innovations have rewritten modern battle tactics.—
SAM McNEIL,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
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The team also pointed out that nylon innovation support new technologies for traffic-management sensing on roads.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The Nasher includes one of John Chamberlain’s sculptures assembled from twisted metal parts, and a motorized Jean Tinguely contraption of miscellaneous rusty metal bits.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
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These genius contraptions help remove moisture from the air and can make a big difference in cooling down the house.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At Victoria Dockside near the Avenue of Stars, K11 MUSEA vows to spark creativity through culture.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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Photos will be judged on focus, lighting, composition, creativity, storytelling and overall impact, with special attention to native species, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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