1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
that free dinner is just a sales gimmick to get you to listen to their sales pitch
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2
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a car equipped with a parking spot locator and other neat gimmicks
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
the deal sounds too good to be true, so make sure there aren't any gimmicks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gimmick
The Dayton band, which rose to fame in the 1970s, filled its set with a variety of theatrics and gimmicks that left me thoroughly entertained.
—
Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025
There’s no unnecessary fluff, no gimmicks — just a return to the true function of carrying cards, now elevated in strength, feel, and longevity.
—New Atlas, 27 July 2025
The gimmick looks broad on paper, but the movie is both fun and stealthily forthright, a mischievously sympathetic film about a modern mom trying to hold it all together by herself.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 July 2025
There also comes occasional times where the cast bursts out a thought bubble, though it’s used as a sparing gimmick rather than a strong creative choice.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025
There’s no unnecessary fluff, no gimmicks — just a return to the true function of carrying cards, now elevated in strength, feel, and longevity.
—New Atlas, 27 July 2025
The gimmick looks broad on paper, but the movie is both fun and stealthily forthright, a mischievously sympathetic film about a modern mom trying to hold it all together by herself.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 July 2025
There also comes occasional times where the cast bursts out a thought bubble, though it’s used as a sparing gimmick rather than a strong creative choice.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
-
However, the key to the ruse is that the figures in the left column are fabrications.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
This is one of those movies where a simple plan with a simple objective gets complicated as the characters go to elaborate lengths to pull off a ruse.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
Now, these speedy gadgets have found a new purpose as a fun beach accessory for scuba diving and snorkeling trips.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Aug. 2025
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One of the headline arrivals is Wi-Fi-only commissioning, meaning Matter gadgets can be on-boarded without needing Bluetooth at all.—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
After a bit of suspense over whether or not Mrs. Astor would attend, Mrs. Astor showed up as a sign of support, and Bertha's ball went off without a hitch.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
-
The wedding of Sophie and Edward went on without a hitch in June 1999.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
From a scheme perspective, that would also fall on LaFleur.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
-
So yes, before the green flag dropped Saturday, with the throwback paint scheme unchipped and pristine — that was the moment that everyone was waiting on.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
From building a beauty empire to navigating purpose through pain, Monique shares the lessons, leaps of faith, and leadership tools that have shaped her journey.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The money, found in boxes of antique tools, included rare bills and silver coins dating back to the 1940s and 1950s.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The study also found that swapping potatoes for whole grains lowered diabetes risk even more.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The most recent rejection came on Monday, Aug. 4, when U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian again ruled that Combs posed too great a flight risk.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Clean sheets appeared on the bed as if by magic, a trick many high-end hotels have forgotten.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The brand recommends laying the topper flat to expand for several hours after removing it from the packaging, but shoppers note that fluffing it in the dryer before use also does the trick.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Advocates believe these skills will help students avoid financial pitfalls, like taking on too much debt, and will give them the confidence to make informed decisions about their future.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Below, 17 members of Forbes Coaches Council share expert insights regarding the potential pitfalls of using AI as a replacement for professional coaching, and why human connection is still its primary driver.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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