as in gadgets
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 contraptions
Tell that to Soren Sorensen (Sam) Adams, the Danish immigrant who is credited with inventing many of the same contraptions, along with some six hundred others, including sneezing powder and the joy buzzer.
—
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
The researchers presented toddlers with elaborate puzzle contraptions that contained prizes.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
When a rebellion erupts between Earth and its colonies, the ensuing conflict is fought by pilots in massive mechanized contraptions known as mobile suits.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
From March 13-14, creators from around the world will assemble at Georgia Tech in Atlanta to demonstrate their unique, innovative, and frequently bizarre music-making contraptions.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2026
Seeing how this popular Khmer noodle dish is still made, with wooden contraptions that have been used for centuries, is impressive.
—Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
But these contraptions were so bulky that users had to hold them with their hands or wear them within headbands.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026
There are some contraptions that overcome this technological hurdle, but these are expensive or cumbersome.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025
Plants grow toward light, microbes swim toward rich food sources, animals hide from predators, humans send giant metal contraptions into outer space.
—Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
The researchers presented toddlers with elaborate puzzle contraptions that contained prizes.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
When a rebellion erupts between Earth and its colonies, the ensuing conflict is fought by pilots in massive mechanized contraptions known as mobile suits.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
From March 13-14, creators from around the world will assemble at Georgia Tech in Atlanta to demonstrate their unique, innovative, and frequently bizarre music-making contraptions.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2026
Seeing how this popular Khmer noodle dish is still made, with wooden contraptions that have been used for centuries, is impressive.
—Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
But these contraptions were so bulky that users had to hold them with their hands or wear them within headbands.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026
There are some contraptions that overcome this technological hurdle, but these are expensive or cumbersome.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025
Plants grow toward light, microbes swim toward rich food sources, animals hide from predators, humans send giant metal contraptions into outer space.
—Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraptions
gadgets
Noun
-
Out of all kitchen cookware, gadgets, and appliances, Miller believes that every kitchen should have a reliable cast-iron skillet, like this one from Lodge that earned our best overall pick out of 22 comparable options.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
-
While there will always be new cleaning gadgets and solutions to try, sometimes the best thing to do is shop your local thrift store for some good, hardy basics.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contraptions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraptions. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
