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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
-
Packing this $12 gadget could also save you money on budget airlines that charge an arm and a leg for access to in-flight entertainment.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Apr. 2026
-
View gallery - 3 images Aside from being tough as nails, rugged gadgets typically prioritize long battery life, but increasingly, newer models have been adding in specialized tools for fieldwork.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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Unlike my writing, which is tightly constructed and works to make meaning of experience, my art relies most heavily on imagination.—
Gabe Montesanti,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Only when the moment is over does the universe expand again, waiting for Johnson’s imagination to explore it.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That legislation, pending action from the governor, bans new data centers through November 2027 and creates a new state council to provide strategic input, facilitate planning considerations and evaluate policy tools to address data centers, Maine Morning Star reported.—
Kevin Hardy,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
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For taller products, like full-size shampoo bottles or styling tools, Kinsella suggests a tiered sliding organizer with an open top to accommodate height.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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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
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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 21 Apr. 2026.
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