1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Even the country’s name was a contrivance, borrowed from an empire that had flourished a thousand years earlier and hundreds of miles away, in what is now Mauritania and Mali.
—
Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Undeniably a retread of the previous year’s flick, Boo 2! benefits from leaning harder into horror contrivances, working as a straightforward horror-comedy for much of its running time.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Transparency is going to be vital else people will craft their own zany contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Undeniably a retread of the previous year’s flick, Boo 2! benefits from leaning harder into horror contrivances, working as a straightforward horror-comedy for much of its running time.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Transparency is going to be vital else people will craft their own zany contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
The gadget charges via a USB-C port and can also be used while charging.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
-
And just as Shakespeare relentlessly intensified Lear’s individuality, so did Jobs make each gadget more itself, eschewing generic compromise to magnify exceptionality.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Solomon, speaking from the sidelines of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, cited the disruption caused by the invention in the late 1700s of the steam engine, which helped fuel the first industrial revolution.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The author, a naturally playful fabulist, is furloughed here into invention and free play.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For decades, the dream of personal flight, as envisioned by jetpacks, hoverboards, and flying cars, has captured our imagination.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Paddington Bear’s meeting with a BBC News journalist appears to have captured the imagination of fans after the marmalade-loving mammal made his debut in a West End musical.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The technique is showing because Paul’s learning to use all his tools — the size, the strength, the reach from his arm length, which creates a 7-foot-6 wingspan.—
Omar Kelly
October 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
-
But while Wikipedia users can directly edit a story, Grokipedia offers tools to ask questions and submit a correction.—
NPR,
NPR,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Now, that is clearly an innovation that print cannot accommodate, but that a manuscript can.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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The collaboration brings together Coach’s heritage craftsmanship and B&V’s expertise in circular innovation.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
One loose bolt or misplaced screw is enough to grind the entire contraption to a halt.—
Robert Mays,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Believing that Tesla built Alfred’s Transporter machine, Robert hopes the wizard can build a similar contraption for him.—
Kirk Honeycutt,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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At Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails, Chef Joseph Cusmano brings creativity and skill to a traditional steakhouse menu with a few fun surprises to keep diners on their toes.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
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Simply add your own creativity and can-do spirit.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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