Synonyms of contrivances

contrivances

noun

plural of contrivance

1

as in gadgets

an interesting and often novel device with a practical use

a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gadgets
• tools
• contraptions
• appliances
• gizmos
• mechanisms
• innovations
• gimmicks
• accessories
• inventions
• widgets
• instruments
• jiggers
• ingenuities
• utensils
• implements
• tricks
• adjuncts
• doodads
• doohickeys
• thingamajigs
• thingamabobs
• thingummies
• dinguses
• hootenannies
• hickeys

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

• inventions
• innovations
• devices
• concoctions
• products
• creations
• works
• wrinkles
• coinages
• gadgets
• novelties
• brainchildren
• conceptions
• contraptions
• gizmos
• pictures
• designs
• fantasies
• visions
• dreams
• originations

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imitations
• copies
• reproductions
• duplicates
• facsimiles
• duplications
• dupes
• clones
• replications
• carbon copies
• replicas
• reduplications

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contrivances

This can make for a frustrating watch, particularly when paired with some of the film’s more unlikely narrative contrivances. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

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

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