1
as in gadgets
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivances
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
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2024
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
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
Noun
-
The middle aisle is restocked with home goods, organizers, candles, cleaning gadgets, even clothing and shoes, and new ALDI food items are stocked on the shelves, perched and ready for the deals to be snapped up by customers.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
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As people who write about food and test kitchen gadgets for a living, Bon Appétit editors are constantly surrounded by a wide range of products.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jack worked on inventions and metal sculptures.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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This conversation happens in a chamber David has decorated with his various drawings and inventions, expressions of individuality Walter and his brethren have been denied; Walter is neither gifted with David’s imagination nor burdened by his loathing of humankind.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This domino effect could lead China to leverage its dominance in EVs to yield innovations ahead of the West.—
Rebecca A. Fannin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Mrigakshi Dixit Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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