1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
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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
Measuring a president at 100 days is something of a contrivance that is based on a marker set during Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first term back in the 1930s.
—
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
But much of the show’s appeal can be tracked back to a single performer: At the center of all the flattening contrivance, David Hyde Pierce is shuffling about with his mildly hapless, lovable deadpan, giving the production’s only understated performance.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
To add to the list of coincidences and contrivances, Danny’s sister Harper (Jessy Yates), is also an emergency medicine resident working through the storm.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
But contrivances now become necessary to keep some of the new supporting figures in play in a story like this.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
But much of the show’s appeal can be tracked back to a single performer: At the center of all the flattening contrivance, David Hyde Pierce is shuffling about with his mildly hapless, lovable deadpan, giving the production’s only understated performance.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
To add to the list of coincidences and contrivances, Danny’s sister Harper (Jessy Yates), is also an emergency medicine resident working through the storm.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
But contrivances now become necessary to keep some of the new supporting figures in play in a story like this.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
Now, these speedy gadgets have found a new purpose as a fun beach accessory for scuba diving and snorkeling trips.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Aug. 2025
-
One of the headline arrivals is Wi-Fi-only commissioning, meaning Matter gadgets can be on-boarded without needing Bluetooth at all.—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Globalization itself had less to do with trade agreements than with technology—particularly the invention of the shipping container and the spread of broadband.—
Michael B. G. Froman,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Aug. 2025
-
The modern electric washing machine is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Moss designed the whimsical room with warm colors and materials to help invite imagination.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Perhaps no instance of social justice looms larger in the popular imagination than the summer of 2020, when the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police provoked protests and riots across the country at the height of the pandemic.—
Andrea Long Chu,
Vulture,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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From building a beauty empire to navigating purpose through pain, Monique shares the lessons, leaps of faith, and leadership tools that have shaped her journey.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 Aug. 2025
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Secondly, there are many types of tools, including ad fraud detection, bot detection and ad verification solutions.—
Roman Vrublivskyi,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Your commitment to innovation is clear from the stock photos of a diverse group of people deeply engaged in what appears to be a breakthrough moment involving a laptop and some very enthusiastic pointing.—
Greg Mania,
New Yorker,
6 Aug. 2025
-
To date, most of ThredUp’s innovations have focused on its buyers, rather than its sellers.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Edison Cannon: An experimental contraption based on designs by the gunsmith Medvedik.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Another standout snippet was when Andrés and Meghan ate food from an unusual kitchen contraption.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Professionals who thrive will combine in-demand technical skills with human qualities such as creativity, empathy and critical thinking—abilities that artificial intelligence still can’t fully replicate.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Whether it’s outfitted with a bookshelf full of beloved paperbacks, a comfy chaise lounge, or a dedicated art table, the goal is the same: create a space that fosters rest, creativity, and quiet—no notifications.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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