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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
An underfloor heating system will keep campers warm through all seasons in conjunction with a robust insulation package, and an off-grid power system promises to keep systems and gadgets running smoothly with or without camp hookups.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The gadget is also handy for non-reading tasks, like taking group selfies from far away on your phone.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
10 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
-
Each consists of no more than two visible walls — showing bare, wooden interiors — with the rest left to our imagination.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The show teaches kids important lessons about friendship, imagination, family, and the joy of being yourself.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even when companies make AI tools available, there’s no guarantee employees will adopt them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Through consultation with Native tribes, the exhibit highlights how the use of hunting tools evolved over time for the earliest residents of Douglas County.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
12 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
-
When repeatedly tested on the magician's stovepipe chapeau, the contraption — which was intended to make the hat disappear — seemingly failed.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
-
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
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 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
