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What exactly is a contraption?
In the words of one Little Mermaid, “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty.” It would have been on-theme (though perhaps a bit clunky) for the aquatic princess to include in her siren song the word contraption. Synonymous with both gadget and gizmo, and widget too, in referring to mechanical and electronic devices, contraption is also one of a raft of terms people reach for when talking about various human-made bits and bobs, whether mechanical or not. (It's thought to have possibly been formed as a blend of contrivance, trap, and invention.) Want more thingamabob words? Try doohickey, thingamajig, dingus, or doodad.
Synonyms
Examples of contraption in a Sentence
L'oréal Blackett, refinery29.com, 7 Jan. 2024
Guests will endure torturous trials and come face to face with some of John Kramer’s most diabolical contraptions before time runs out.
—William Earl, Variety, 25 June 2024
The exhibition was Fernando Palma Rodríguez’s at Canal Projects in New York, which features a cast of robotic contraptions on view through July 27.
—Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 21 June 2024
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker Buy on Amazon $30 $25
Available in black, gray, mint, and coral, this unique kitchen contraption makes cooking breakfast a breeze.
—Quincy Bulin, Parents, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for contraption 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contraption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraption. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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contraption
noun
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