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 two-state solution has become a dangerous gimmick.
—
Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
For context, California’s total general-fund budget receipts are around $208 billion and the state recently struggled to shave $20 billion (mostly through gimmicks) from its spending.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Johnson should not rely on budgetary gimmicks to balance the budget.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
These numbers are not smoke and mirrors or budgeting gimmicks.
—Patrick A. McLaughlin, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
For context, California’s total general-fund budget receipts are around $208 billion and the state recently struggled to shave $20 billion (mostly through gimmicks) from its spending.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Johnson should not rely on budgetary gimmicks to balance the budget.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
These numbers are not smoke and mirrors or budgeting gimmicks.
—Patrick A. McLaughlin, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
-
Today’s shortsighted, sellout city politicians are killing the golden goose under the ruse that affordable housing is the be-all and the end-all of life in San Diego.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The agent, keeping up the ruse, continued to push her on the phone for several minutes.—
Lauren del Valle,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Apple Series 10 keeps me on top of health, fitness, and notifications without ever feeling like another gadget to babysit.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Now, the gadget flaunts app compatibility, which helps tailor the drying and styling process to your individual hair type and length.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Lamb’s first drop of the night came on a first-quarter hitch route that looked more like a miscommunication on the route between him and quarterback Dak Prescott.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
-
But organizers of the reunion maintain their event went on without a hitch and that what happened afterwards was an unrelated outlier.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Paul looks the part and Savaiinaea has the footwork and athleticism needed to thrive in this zone-blocking scheme.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Park’s character in Confidence Queen Park sets one clever trap after another, fitting each scheme into a larger puzzle.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Figma added four new AI-native tools to its platform this quarter and told investors on the call to expect significant investments in AI going forward.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Traders currently place the odds of a 25 basis-point cut at 98 percent, according to the CME FedWatch tool.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Thus, Last Rites tries a new trick, with the doll growing in size and chasing Judy down a hallway, in a sequence that is strangely reminiscent of Five Nights At Freddy's.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Grandma's favorite time-saving trick is to rely on the trusty the slow-cooker to make sweet, tender onions that require little to no stirring.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Her mother and grandmother had gotten through the pitfalls of motherhood without medication or other forms of support; her mom worked a full-time job while raising three kids.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Just as automation ultimately changed manufacturing, AI will undoubtedly reshape how companies operate; however, GM’s experience highlights the pitfalls of not thinking about its implementation carefully.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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