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
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Recent Examples of contrivances
The very setup suggests a screenwriter whose sense of psychology is defined with arid literalism by his own just-so, cut-to-fit contrivances.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 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
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
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
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 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
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
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
-
There’s a whole range of Hyperice gadgets available to tinker with, including Normatec compression boots and a Venom heat therapy belt.—
Siobhan Grogan,
TheWeek,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Women are being confronted by lotions and serums and light masks that promise to rejuvenate their faces and necks, dietary supplements claiming to do everything from boost moods to ease hot flashes and gadgets promising to help with symptoms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And even the earthbound will feel the benefits — the myriad inventions that have been adapted for everyday use, the economic boost of the space industry, the proliferation of careers that draw young people toward science, technology and math courses.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Other key inventions from that year include the floppy disk, the first handheld scientific calculator (the HP-35) and the Hacky Sack.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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The supplies include rope/cord, saw/cutting tools, police scanner, hair nets, medical gloves and more.—
April 8,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of fundamental physics but also pave the way for innovations in medicine, materials science, and quantum technology.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Artificial intelligence, Petraeus said, will accelerate these innovations.—
Aidan Stretch,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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