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
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
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
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
Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 1 Apr. 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraptions
gadgets
Noun
-
There’s a whole range of Hyperice gadgets available to tinker with, including Normatec compression boots and a Venom heat therapy belt.—
Siobhan Grogan,
TheWeek,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Women are being confronted by lotions and serums and light masks that promise to rejuvenate their faces and necks, dietary supplements claiming to do everything from boost moods to ease hot flashes and gadgets promising to help with symptoms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contraptions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraptions. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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