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
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
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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
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Greasy appliances, gadgets, and kitchen cabinets can all be cleaned with neutral oils.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Mostly for the telephone and telegraph, but his other inventions spanned interests and included a metal jacket to assist in breathing, the audiometer to detect minor hearing problems and a device to locate icebergs,In January 1915, Bell made the first ceremonial transcontinental telephone call.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
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To claim otherwise is an invention with no basis in the record.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Developing her personal relationship with Jesus took real imagination and practice.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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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
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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
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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
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From 1980 to 1997, Williams’ F1 team won nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles, thanks to its technical innovations and renowned drivers like Keke Rosberg, Alain Prost and Jacques Villeneuve.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
7 Mar. 2026
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The falling-out between the Pentagon and Anthropic highlighted the clash of cultures between the defense establishment and Silicon Valley, which has its roots in military innovations but has since turned squeamish about seeing its technology used for war.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 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
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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
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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
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As always, Mexicans will rise to the occasion with efficiency, creativity and fun, to make sure all attendees feel safe and successfully enjoy every match of the 2026 World Cup.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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Audience reactions from early access screenings have been similar, with moviegoers also applauding the film’s creativity and humor.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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