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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contrivances
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Yes, the glossy aesthetic occasionally dulls the impact of the director’s more tactile sensibilities, and a few script contrivances stretch believability.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 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
Dara’s performance remains its only bright element but even that gets lost in the many surrounding contrivances.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Is the format—the set, the show structure, the million contrivances—part of the joke?
—Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Yes, the glossy aesthetic occasionally dulls the impact of the director’s more tactile sensibilities, and a few script contrivances stretch believability.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 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
Dara’s performance remains its only bright element but even that gets lost in the many surrounding contrivances.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Is the format—the set, the show structure, the million contrivances—part of the joke?
—Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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
-
Shop the most useful gadgets to add to your kitchen this year and save up to 40 percent, starting at $5.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
-
For anyone building a compact, efficient toolkit, the hori hori knife eliminates the need for several single-purpose gadgets.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Mostly for the telephone and telegraph, but his other inventions spanned interests and included a metal jacket to assist in breathing, the audiometer to detect minor hearing problems and a device to locate icebergs,In January 1915, Bell made the first ceremonial transcontinental telephone call.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The bill would allow the state to recoup a portion of licensing and royalty fees from inventions and technologies developed with research dollars.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unlike conventional pipe-inspection tools, the robot can travel up to 6 km on a single battery charge, while operating in passages only a few centimeters wide.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Always wear safety gear when working with tools and equipment.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His woodwork designs and innovations helped revolutionize the sport.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
From 1980 to 1997, Williams’ F1 team won nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles, thanks to its technical innovations and renowned drivers like Keke Rosberg, Alain Prost and Jacques Villeneuve.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
