1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in invention
something (as a device) created for the first time through the use of the imagination
despite the many modern contrivances for saving time and labor, we seem to have less leisure and energy than ever before
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
in that writer's hands, narrative contrivance can often deteriorate into pointless gimmickry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivance
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Ponies is overly reliant on coincidences and characters making unlikely mistakes to keep the plot moving, and all that contrivance leads to some Swiss-cheese-like plotting in the season’s back half.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Ponies is overly reliant on coincidences and characters making unlikely mistakes to keep the plot moving, and all that contrivance leads to some Swiss-cheese-like plotting in the season’s back half.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
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
-
The gadget works by utilizing a blue-violet light to attract insects, which are then zapped by a 4200-volt electric grid on contact.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some adolescents may need therapy or other inventions from mental health professionals, says Skeer.—
Jillian Pretzel,
Parents,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His invention was modestly successful, acquired by Monsanto but ultimately rejected by the public for its subpar taste.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
May 21 – June 20 When structure meets imagination, conversations bloom.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Their height and heft frightened and thrilled spectators, earning dinosaurs a permanent place in the public imagination, Coules said.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
From Hollywood, California, to Hollywood, Florida, the wage standard needs nurturing and protecting with whatever tools are available.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
There are other tools the EU could use.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
McRae was deeply involved in economic development and improvements in education and developed a national reputation for innovation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Apr. 2026
-
If your company values innovation, hire people who challenge ideas and push for creative solutions — not just those who agree with everything.—
Karla Vallecillo,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
Pop-ups are another major pipeline connecting and feeding our creativity.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The intuitive Moon is waltzing through your sign, partnering with innovative Uranus in your creativity zone along the way.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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