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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivance
Even the country’s name was a contrivance, borrowed from an empire that had flourished a thousand years earlier and hundreds of miles away, in what is now Mauritania and Mali.
—
Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Undeniably a retread of the previous year’s flick, Boo 2! benefits from leaning harder into horror contrivances, working as a straightforward horror-comedy for much of its running time.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Transparency is going to be vital else people will craft their own zany contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Undeniably a retread of the previous year’s flick, Boo 2! benefits from leaning harder into horror contrivances, working as a straightforward horror-comedy for much of its running time.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Transparency is going to be vital else people will craft their own zany contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
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But for now, Horn’s ability to affect the run game with his speed — keeping defenses honest with his gadget-play package — is all the Panthers offense will use him for.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Invest in a few kitchen gadgets that make holiday food prep quick and easy this year.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Anderson tried to market the invention to automakers, but none initially were keen to adopt the device.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The discovery represents the peak of a cresting wave of scientific invention, industry, and investment.—
Kathryn Paige Harden,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For nearly half a century, the Hollywood Bowl has been the stage where John’s imagination meets the hearts of millions.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
-
My daughter’s imagination inspires me.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Microsoft unveiled a new category of PC that features generative artificial intelligence tools built into Windows, the company's world-leading operating system.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
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When selecting a specific use case to pursue, Pantone considered the struggles its customers had previously brought to the company’s attention and surveyed other tools on the market for designers and creatives.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Their approach combines scientific innovation with environmental responsibility, positioning perovskite/silicon TSCs as a cornerstone for future clean energy systems, provided the industry can meet both performance and sustainability benchmarks.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
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Microsoft doubles down in return to AfroTech in Houston with AI, innovation, community and Black excellence at the forefront.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That was a whole interesting contraption.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
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One loose bolt or misplaced screw is enough to grind the entire contraption to a halt.—
Robert Mays,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Because of the skills that neurodiverse individuals can bring to the workplace — hyperfocus, creativity, empathy and niche expertise, just to name a few — some research suggests that organizations prioritizing inclusivity in this space generate nearly one-fifth higher revenue.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
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Recent scientific studies have found that horticultural therapy promotes creativity, self-esteem, social interaction and sensory stimulation.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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