as in gadgets
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
built a contraption for automatically buttering toast
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Recent Examples of contraptions
Fowler tried all sorts of techniques and contraptions—mouth tape, oral appliances, a special therapeutic water bottle, tough Turkish chewing gum.
—
Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
However, with a bit of practice, these fairly portable (though often heavy) contraptions bridge the gap between casual night photography and more serious astrophotography.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
These genius contraptions help remove moisture from the air and can make a big difference in cooling down the house.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
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
Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
However, with a bit of practice, these fairly portable (though often heavy) contraptions bridge the gap between casual night photography and more serious astrophotography.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
These genius contraptions help remove moisture from the air and can make a big difference in cooling down the house.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraptions
gadgets
Noun
-
The brand is exploring hardware gadgets designed by Jony Ive, as well as upgrading other projects such as its Sora video generation and Atlas web browser.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Handy kitchen gadgets are among the best deals to grab right now, including this best-selling vegetable chopper that makes quick work of dicing, chopping, and prepping ingredients for your next meal.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contraptions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraptions. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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