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
This will be kind of a fun gimmick for the story.
—
Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
There really is no Zero-SP path and few structural gimmicks.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
The movie deploys De Palma’s signature split-screen technique, arguably the best use of this gimmick in his whole filmography.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
There’s no gimmicks or bells and whistles to this story.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
There really is no Zero-SP path and few structural gimmicks.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
The movie deploys De Palma’s signature split-screen technique, arguably the best use of this gimmick in his whole filmography.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
There’s no gimmicks or bells and whistles to this story.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
-
As part of the ruse to extract her from Venezuela, Machado wore a disguise to leave the country, violating Venezuela’s then-travel ban, according to the Associated Press.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Director Ben Affleck also stars in the historical thriller (and a sort of salute to the movies) about the CIA using a fake sci-fi movie as a ruse to rescue diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Handy kitchen gadgets are among the best deals to grab right now, including this best-selling vegetable chopper that makes quick work of dicing, chopping, and prepping ingredients for your next meal.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Kitsure Extra-Long Shoe Rack This shoe organizer proves tidying up your home doesn’t require fancy gadgets or big price tags.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Euphoria’s Season Three has not gone on without a hitch.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The hitch is the beach, which is used primarily by local fishermen and thus can be pungent.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Fitting back into the scheme after his absence, James focused on setting screens for the short-handed frontcourt that was without Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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His ball production gives new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a scheme-fit defensive back that can help create turnovers for a defense that was tied for the second-least interceptions in 2025.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Digital tool use has risen by roughly 50% in the last five years, and drone technology adoption grew by 48% between 2019 and 2023.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
There’s also a zippered top section for tools, like brushes, tweezers, and nail files.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That said, slow running aligns with the zone 2 cardio trend, which promises ample cardiovascular benefit, plus minimized injury risk.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Moreover, such an action risks preventing favorable conditions for a historic dialogue between the governments of the two countries, which are both united by a desire to disarm Hezbollah and strengthen Lebanon’s state capacities.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This under-$40 Amazon pick totally does the trick, and even comes with a little matching pouch.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
13 Mar. 2026
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The previous reader confirmed that the engine can be remote started with this trick using the key-fob.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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To avoid this pitfall, Judge recommends determining a color palette for the space and buying rugs, pillows, planters, and furniture that corresponds accordingly.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
16 Mar. 2026
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Her presentation went over steps needed to take to register to vote, common pitfalls, ballot security and new laws.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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