CONTRIVANCE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

contrivance

noun

kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s

Definition of contrivance

as in gadget

an interesting and often novel device with a practical use a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 2026 One belief is that this is essentially a monopolistic contrivance. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026 That was complemented by what was known as a Tony Gwynn SoloHitter contrivance, through which four chords connected to a baseball would reset the ball to its waist-high starting point after each thwacking during all hours of the day. — Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrivance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance

Noun

The first big breakthroughs may not come as a flashy new consumer gadget.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Running back Tyler Goodson handled the kick return duties and some of the gadget plays designed for Turpin in the offense, including taking a first-half jet sweep.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of gadget

Noun

The team’s invention enables the creation of garments that act as a direct interface to a wearer’s health data and their digital devices, with no rigid screen involved.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Combining the two would bring the tech and infrastructure parts of Musk’s empire together (the Wall Street pitch) and a hyperconcentrated bet on the billionaire’s inventions, politics, and personality (the actual pitch).

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of invention

Noun

His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous.

— Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
For one of the optimistic developers of AI, the musically minded computer scientist Marvin Minsky, the Media Lab functioned akin to a surgeon removing blockages to the imagination.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of imagination

Noun

But the list did not include Social Security numbers or other high-level identifying information, so analysts used the public records research tool LexisNexis to further identify people on the list.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
The rules ban companion chatbots and require parental opt-in — not just an opt-out option — for direct student use of AI tools.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

The cast is stacked with comedy veterans but this wind-up contraption of a holiday horror movie doesn’t come with batteries.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
There’s a level of seriousness that belies the 90-minute comedy film he’s made, which features an imbecilic white rapper who speaks in Caribbean-British slang and a contraption that shoots bullets out of one’s rear end.

— Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of contraption

Noun

The space will serve as a platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents, express their creativity and build confidence while bringing families, supporters and community members together, the release said.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Those parameters can offer the opportunity for creativity and on-the-fly problem-solving.

— Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of creativity

Browse Nearby Words

contrition

contrivance

contrivances

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of contrivance

noun

Example Sentences

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