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
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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
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
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
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
But Asghar says wearable gadgets can potentially handle some tasks more efficiently than a phone, like instant translations during a conversation.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Greasy appliances, gadgets, and kitchen cabinets can all be cleaned with neutral oils.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The brewery owner frames that as education as much as entertainment, a way to connect roots to branches and remind people what Black invention has contributed to modern sound.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The discomfort of boredom, even the anguish of it, can spur us into flights of imagination, resourcefulness, and invention.—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Developing her personal relationship with Jesus took real imagination and practice.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Upon entering any art gallery or museum, visitors are consenting to having their imaginations stimulated with new concepts, designs and suggestions.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to a source familiar with the situation, the Pentagon used AI services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during the attack on Iran.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Researchers avoided contaminating the samples with other plastics by substituting standard tools with those made of aluminum, cotton and other non-plastic material, the release noted.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The next era of workplace innovation is here—and the old playbook is being rewritten.—
Mae Anderson,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
-
To fuel this innovation, Sovani relentlessly explores Tokyo’s diverse food landscape, seeking out the city's most authentic vegetarian gems.—
Nupur Singh,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The contraption was loaded with a piece of paper with questions, and students pressed keys indicating the correct answer, at which point, another question would appear.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Among the iconic polymath’s many (many) achievements, the 15th century thinker is famous for devising an angled contraption to help his experiments exploring friction physics.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His family's creativity was the foundation for Dupart's life's work.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
This bilingual, family-friendly performance blends original music, storytelling and imagination to build confidence, creativity and connection.—
Melissa Grzybowski,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
