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
To gain her confidence, Arabella pretends to be Jewish (a hokey contrivance that Shakespeare would have approved of), and Indji shares the story of her banishment.
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
Get past the contrivances, and the comedy has some perceptive observations about the way grief and secrets can color a relationship, plus some very trenchant commentary about the sorry state of the Los Angeles real estate market.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Some of the plot’s contrivances don’t really make sense, but Byeon and Kim have great chemistry, and the showrunners do a fine job of combining bubbly high school drama with cheery romantic fantasy.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
Get past the contrivances, and the comedy has some perceptive observations about the way grief and secrets can color a relationship, plus some very trenchant commentary about the sorry state of the Los Angeles real estate market.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Some of the plot’s contrivances don’t really make sense, but Byeon and Kim have great chemistry, and the showrunners do a fine job of combining bubbly high school drama with cheery romantic fantasy.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
Mainstream gadgets getting elusive Even people with broader, more mainstream tech interests see tariffs impacting their options.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Avoid piling clothes, gadgets or paperwork around your bed.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Besides being an agency invention ungrounded in the statute, disparate impact liability stands antidiscrimination law on its head.—
The Editors,
National Review,
25 Apr. 2025
-
One of her inventions is a program called RAH (Ready for American Hospitality), which opens the minds and hearts of students by pairing them with refugees from the ECDC/African Community Center.—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
His idea appeared to be developing content about the club — not dissimilar to the manner in which Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have captured the imagination at Wrexham — and introducing Dagenham & Redbridge to new markets.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Just framing the intention that way will fire up the imagination of your team and set your sails to catch the wind of public opinion.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The supplements are a crucial tool for averting malnutrition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Their conversation with Frost helped alter the public perception of meditation from a niche spiritual pursuit into a practical tool for personal growth.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The great innovation of The Last of Us Part II was this switch in perspectives, which continues throughout the game.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This means celebrating what makes our city unique, such as its history and culture, while fostering innovation and growth to meet future challenges.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Inventors like Richard Arkwright and James Hargreaves had mechanized spinning with various contraptions, but weaving initially remained too complex to automate.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Another photo showed the PD and Animal Control using a contraption with a harness to get the dog out, while the final shot showed the dog safely outside of the dumpster, being taken care of by a police officer.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This experience changed my life and my entire approach to creativity as a designer and an artist.—
Ralph Rucci,
Robb Report,
20 Apr. 2025
-
That edge matters—in talent retention, in creativity and in bottom-line performance.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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