as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
built a contraption for automatically buttering toast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 contraption
In a contraption of his own making, Glenn Curtiss took to the skies in 1911, boldly becoming the first American to fly a seaplane in a quick trip from Coronado’s North Island to San Diego Bay.
—
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025
As Eve and Julian via Ares fight over a code for permanence that could turn Ares from code to human, stunt sequences involving contraptions from the familiar light cycle to a boat and submarine hybrid, and many moments are backed by needle drops from Nine Inch Nails, who scored the film, or others.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
Smile over the ridiculous contraptions created for Diamond Peak Ski Resort’s annual Dummy Downhill event, or Mountainfest/Preston and Steve’s Cardboard Classic, both featured in the film.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 3 Oct. 2025
The almost science-fiction contraption, made by the Dutch firm ASML and heavily reliant on technology devised in the US, has come to symbolize the gap between China and the West.
—semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025
As Eve and Julian via Ares fight over a code for permanence that could turn Ares from code to human, stunt sequences involving contraptions from the familiar light cycle to a boat and submarine hybrid, and many moments are backed by needle drops from Nine Inch Nails, who scored the film, or others.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
Smile over the ridiculous contraptions created for Diamond Peak Ski Resort’s annual Dummy Downhill event, or Mountainfest/Preston and Steve’s Cardboard Classic, both featured in the film.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 3 Oct. 2025
The almost science-fiction contraption, made by the Dutch firm ASML and heavily reliant on technology devised in the US, has come to symbolize the gap between China and the West.
—semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraption
gadget
Noun
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraption. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share