Synonyms of contrivance

contrivance

noun

kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s 

1

as in gadget

an interesting and often novel device with a practical use

a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gadget
• tool
• contraption
• appliance
• mechanism
• gizmo
• gimmick
• innovation
• accessory
• widget
• jigger
• instrument
• invention
• ingenuity
• utensil
• implement
• trick
• adjunct
• thingamajig
• thingamabob
• doohickey
• dingus
• thingummy
• hickey
• hootenanny
• doodad

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

• invention
• innovation
• creation
• coinage
• product
• device
• concoction
• wrinkle
• conception
• brainchild
• contraption
• work
• design
• gadget
• novelty
• gizmo
• dream
• origination
• fantasy
• vision
• imagining
• picture

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imitation
• copy
• reproduction
• duplicate
• duplication
• facsimile
• replication
• replica
• clone
• carbon copy
• reduplication
• dupe

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

• imagination
• imaginativeness
• creativity
• inventiveness
• invention
• fertility
• fantasy
• ideation
• originality
• fancy
• ingenuity
• resourcefulness
• fecundity
• illusion
• delusion
• inspiration
• chimera
• versatility
• brainstorming
• dream
• mirage
• brainstorm
• hallucination
• phantasm
• pipe dream
• daydream
• figment
• visualization
• mind's eye
• envisaging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• literalness
• literality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contrivance

Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 2026

One belief is that this is essentially a monopolistic contrivance. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026

That was complemented by what was known as a Tony Gwynn SoloHitter contrivance, through which four chords connected to a baseball would reset the ball to its waist-high starting point after each thwacking during all hours of the day. — Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026

The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026