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
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 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
Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 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
-
Chamelo Dusk Classic smart sunglasses These lightweight sunglasses are perfect for techie dads who love gadgets and gizmos.—
Catherine Garcia,
TheWeek,
9 June 2026
-
Wearable wellness gadgets are everywhere, but few have generated the kind of long-haul user testimonials as the Apollo Neuro.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
With telegraph machines and telephones from the 1800s, inventions from Thomas Edison’s company, 20th-century TVs and computers and more, the museum covers how technology in media evolved.—
Zuri Primos
June 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
-
The Lumen cocktail bar, meanwhile, has an exceptional cocktail menu that runs the gamut from beloved Italian classics to off-the-wall inventions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Ryan Brennan
June 2,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
-
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Franco-Argentinian artist Julio Le Parc, whose innovations in kinetic and Op art presaged the interactive art of today, died in Paris on May 30.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 June 2026
-
Who knew that one of the greatest innovations was right here, sitting under our noses in midtown this whole time?—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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