1
as in gadgets
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in inventions
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivances
Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford).
—
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
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
Even those unfamiliar with the story are likely to scoff at the new plot contrivances.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 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
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 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
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
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
Even those unfamiliar with the story are likely to scoff at the new plot contrivances.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 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
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 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
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
Noun
-
These range from a bendy pizza slice with sunglasses (a voice cameo by Bad Bunny) to three tech gadgets left behind each time Blaze moved on to the next shiny new device.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
-
That demand has produced a crowded field of gadgets so here are 11 worth knowing about.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
No one knows better than founder Max Büsser that timepieces are a sort of modern fantasy, a way of romanticizing the mechanical inventions of yesteryear.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
-
As for Greiner, she became known in the business world after patenting a plastic jewelry organizer, the first of many inventions in her portfolio that would be wildly successful.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
-
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Chemical innovations were needed alongside mechanical ones.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
15 June 2026
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The country that pioneered so many innovations could also build a healthcare model that protects its people while preserving the strengths of its market economy.—
Wei Zhang,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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