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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gimmick
When Gable underwent shoulder surgery in the summer of 2025, he was replaced temporarily by Ludwig Kaiser, who donned the El Grande Americano mask and gimmick.
—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
His gimmick was hiring artists to do the cleaning, which brought in new clients every time the press fawned over the poor Cindarellas.
—
Jesse Armas,
Curbed,
16 June 2026
Pretty sure a lot of people in DFW believe that mass transit is a marketing gimmick created by the train and bus companies that want to take your money, and rob you of your freedom.
—
Mac Engel
june 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
But one of it's most alluring elements is that viewers can watch episodes in either True-Hue Full Color or Authentic Black & White, a cool gimmick that provides a very different experience depending on whatever suits your taste.
—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
His gimmick was hiring artists to do the cleaning, which brought in new clients every time the press fawned over the poor Cindarellas.
—
Jesse Armas,
Curbed,
16 June 2026
Pretty sure a lot of people in DFW believe that mass transit is a marketing gimmick created by the train and bus companies that want to take your money, and rob you of your freedom.
—
Mac Engel
june 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
But one of it's most alluring elements is that viewers can watch episodes in either True-Hue Full Color or Authentic Black & White, a cool gimmick that provides a very different experience depending on whatever suits your taste.
—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
-
At face value, a $10 million rental is an exorbitant fee for a ruse.
-
Such offenders will use all different ruses to distract the victim, such as claiming to be utility workers, tree trimmers, or handymen working on neighbors' houses.
Noun
-
Best Amazon Prime Day Outlet Home Deals Everything from luxurious bedding to clever cleaning gadgets is marked down in Amazon’s home section today.
-
Directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, the fifth installment follows Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang of anthropomorphic toys as their owner Bonnie becomes addicted to her new favorite gadget, a kiddie smart tablet known as Lilypad.
Noun
-
Keystone Walkabout 26Max Trailer This hitch-up-and-pull-behind trailer is for those who do everything but sit in camp.
-
But once again, the party went without a hitch.
Noun
-
The Empire State Building frequently switches up its lighting scheme to commemorate special events throughout the year.
-
The other company whose shares were manipulated in the scheme, E-Waste, had an even higher market cap at some point, despite being nothing more than a shell company.
Noun
-
The handle of the FieldSpork incorporates two fold-out tools.
-
The tools now entering those classrooms are more powerful and far less accountable than anyone writing that legislation could have imagined.
Noun
-
Traditional studios might adopt Chinese models for some preproduction tasks such as concepting, but the geopolitical and intellectual property risks for commercial generations are too prohibitive.
-
Now in its 18th year, The Zac Foundation has provided free water safety camps to more than 25,000 kids in at-risk communities.
Noun
-
The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
-
Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
Noun
-
Forward-thinking manufacturers build native compliance protocols as a workflow, not as an afterthought—a pitfall that many struggle with.
-
But Sam and Cecily's immersion into the tech industry comes with its pitfalls.
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
