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
Instead of chasing gimmicks or exaggerated specifications, its design focuses on adaptability, control, and long-term reliability.
—
New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Still, most of the promotional material around the movie sidelined the ever-dour Alex Garland and his real-life veteran co-writer, Ray Mendoza, in favor of gimmicks like Michael Gandolfini introducing his co-stars.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
The drinks nod to the theme without becoming gimmicks, with touches like a cotton-candy Negroni that feels more clever than kitschy.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has successfully navigated a thin line between viral marketing and gratuitous gimmick in recent years, providing a sprinkle-laden counterexample to those who fear non-College Football Playoff bowl games will crumble in this new reality of professionalized college football.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Still, most of the promotional material around the movie sidelined the ever-dour Alex Garland and his real-life veteran co-writer, Ray Mendoza, in favor of gimmicks like Michael Gandolfini introducing his co-stars.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
The drinks nod to the theme without becoming gimmicks, with touches like a cotton-candy Negroni that feels more clever than kitschy.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has successfully navigated a thin line between viral marketing and gratuitous gimmick in recent years, providing a sprinkle-laden counterexample to those who fear non-College Football Playoff bowl games will crumble in this new reality of professionalized college football.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
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Over the course of their military demonstration, Roper’s men kill wandering father and son villagers, and Pine kills Corky in a violent fight, setting him up as an inside leak to keep his ruse alive.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
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Behind the scenes, as reporters tried to substantiate the claims, the ruse continued — still with AI.—
Lauren Wilson,
NBC news,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Among the machines in my regular rotation are a single-pint gadget and a 2-quart canister model (that’s the kind with the frozen bowl).—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
6 Jan. 2026
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The little shop’s name comes from the quartermaster character, Q, who provides the gadgets and, more to the point, Aston Martin cars for James Bond in the famous movies.—
Peter Valdes-Dapena,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Over the next several months, the Gutierrezes watched as new roofs were installed without a hitch on almost all their neighbors’ homes, even some homes insured by State Farm.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoma Watch,
13 Jan. 2026
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These are the senses that allow Wembanyama to roll his ankles on crossovers without a hitch.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Sammis runs a pro-style scheme that prioritizes a strong run game and being efficient with the passing attack.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Jan. 2026
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Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, pleaded not guilty in November in a scheme to enrich her friend Sean McCluskie, a longtime deputy to former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, using money funneled from one of Becerra’s dormant campaign accounts.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Gardening Tools Garden tools should be cleaned after every use to remove fungi, bacteria, and pests that can be transferred to healthy plants.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
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And keep your in-flight essentials like headphones, sleep mask, e-reader, and other tech tools together in your personal item that stays with you at the seat rather than in the overhead bin.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The robots handle precise positioning, reduce the risk of door damage, and allow vehicles to be parked closer together.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
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On one hand, artificial intelligence is rapidly improving cybersecurity defense technologies, but AI is also equipping cybercriminals with sophisticated tools and creating new risks.—
Dawn Giel,Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This dish will do the trick with crispy chicken and fresh zucchini tossed in a tender linguine with a robust lemon flavor.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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But even an invitation to hang out again, perhaps paired with a gift card to a local lunch spot, could do the trick.—
Mandy Len Catron,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Topics include how to raise money, building stronger donor relationships and avoiding common pitfalls.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
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Avoid these pitfalls by incorporating this clever electric spin scrubber into your routine.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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