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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gimmick
Instead of a 60-day gimmick, the governor should be demanding federal reimbursements to offset these costs.
—
Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Not as a gimmick to please the King.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Some people might call it a gimmick, but Kentucky whiskey brand Jefferson’s has been aging barrels on the high seas for years now as part of its Ocean Aged at Sea series.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
Virality has become an invaluable marketing tool on Broadway, and a gimmick was built into the production to ensure word of mouth.
—Alexandra Starr, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Not as a gimmick to please the King.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Some people might call it a gimmick, but Kentucky whiskey brand Jefferson’s has been aging barrels on the high seas for years now as part of its Ocean Aged at Sea series.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
Virality has become an invaluable marketing tool on Broadway, and a gimmick was built into the production to ensure word of mouth.
—Alexandra Starr, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
-
Carreyrou acknowledged an obvious objection to this thesis—that there is a lengthy paper trail of Back corresponding with Satoshi—but explains it away by saying that Back was actually writing to himself as part of an elaborate ruse to throw would-be unmaskers off the trail.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
By the finale, the ruse is revealed, and the star walks away with prize money and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Truman Show–esque operation.—
Angelina Mazza,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An underfloor heating system will keep campers warm through all seasons in conjunction with a robust insulation package, and an off-grid power system promises to keep systems and gadgets running smoothly with or without camp hookups.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The gadget is also handy for non-reading tasks, like taking group selfies from far away on your phone.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Both ballot measures failed, but post-election analysis showed that both counties pulled off all-mail balloting without much of a hitch or any challenge to its procedures or validity.—
ORLANDO SENTINEL AND MIAMI HERALD EDITORIAL BOARDS,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The second test went off without a hitch in 2019.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the meantime, Vx Underground says the malware used in the attack shares a command-and-control server with another scheme spotted last month involving a look-alike FileZilla site hosting a Trojanized copy of the software.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2026
-
During the hearing, Hamdan admitted to creating and operating a scheme to submit false and fraudulent claims for prescription drugs.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even when companies make AI tools available, there’s no guarantee employees will adopt them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Through consultation with Native tribes, the exhibit highlights how the use of hunting tools evolved over time for the earliest residents of Douglas County.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Interfaith Advisory Commission would help to coordinate religious services, address the needs of at-risk communities, and provide a platform for education and awareness on integrating different traditions.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Supernova the Strongwoman will dazzle the crowd with risky tricks and demolition.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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CEOs who have climbed to the top of their industries have an eagle eye for talent who drive success—and many have developed their own tricks to find the right hires.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While tech-literate consumers might navigate the pitfalls successfully, more vulnerable groups—such as the elderly or those less comfortable with technology—are left wide open to errors and exploitation.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
13 Apr. 2026
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Still, there are potential pitfalls that could stand in the way of the radical changes many Hungarians had hoped for.—
Justin Spike,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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