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
The new bosses’ high-class problems are always tertiary to the Josh-Lindsay-Ashley-Austin quadfecta and never stop feeling tacked-on, even when plot contrivances transport the entire ensemble to Seoul for the finale.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
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
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
Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
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
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
-
Best Travel Tech Deals Buying new travel tech doesn’t have to be expensive—Amazon has amazing deals on gadgets that are guaranteed to make your next trip easier.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Snap up these nifty gadgets ahead of Mother’s Day or to treat your kitchen to a proper upgrade.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This agreement grants Inertia Enterprises rights to several foundational inventions necessary for building a fusion power plant.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Lately, some of the most interesting ideas showing up on resort menus and cruise ships aren’t coming from flashy new inventions, but from ingredients and dining concepts guests already know well, now resurfacing with new purpose.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Our editors are big fans of Dyson’s hair tools—and especially so for travel days.—
Charley Ward,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, the company said, more than 8 million advertisers now use at least one of its generative AI creative tools, with particularly strong adoption among small and midsize advertisers.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But rather than simply repeat the even-then ossified list of events leading to the invention of photography and the medium’s later innovations, the book uses a series of stories, reminiscences, and tall tales to describe how photography transformed everyday (and not so everyday) experience.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Thanks to innovations from companies like ChargePoint, Tesla, Electrify America and more, electric vehicle charging is becoming a much quicker, more streamlined experience.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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