as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
built a contraption for automatically buttering toast
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Recent Examples of contraption
When repeatedly tested on the magician's stovepipe chapeau, the contraption — which was intended to make the hat disappear — seemingly failed.
—
Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
There are a million and one videos of ag workers across Asia using the engines—often sourced from Yanmar and Kubota—to power wagons and irrigation pumps, among other contraptions.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
Moreover, the trim little contraption cut a wholesome figure reminiscent of a Richard Scarry book—as if a courtesy tram birthed a tiny Zamboni.
—Henry Alford, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Some are as simple as a memory foam or contoured pillow, others are quite elaborate contraptions that keep your neck and spine in a precise position.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
There are a million and one videos of ag workers across Asia using the engines—often sourced from Yanmar and Kubota—to power wagons and irrigation pumps, among other contraptions.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
Moreover, the trim little contraption cut a wholesome figure reminiscent of a Richard Scarry book—as if a courtesy tram birthed a tiny Zamboni.
—Henry Alford, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Some are as simple as a memory foam or contoured pillow, others are quite elaborate contraptions that keep your neck and spine in a precise position.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraption
gadget
Noun
-
Minnesota doesn’t tend to design many gadget-style packages, but Bell offers a fascinating blend of size and speed that could cause complications for defenses.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
Such gadgets ended up affecting restful sleep.—
Shirl Leigh
May 03,
New Atlas,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraption. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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