1
as in ruses
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 gadgets
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 hitches
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 gimmicks
Royel Otis doesn’t do flashy gimmicks, make bold, brash statements or lay down anything that could be confused with cheese or syrup.
—
Lars Brandle, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025
The current budget, enacted in June, had a $20 billion deficit that was closed by tapping into the state’s emergency reserves, borrowing from special funds, postponing some payments and adopting some bookkeeping gimmicks.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
These elements are not gimmicks; they are carefully designed to deepen understanding and emotional connection.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 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
This desire for meaningful experiences is pushing brands to innovate, not with gimmicks, but with authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and human connection at the core.
—Emily Weiss, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025
These numbers are not smoke and mirrors or budgeting gimmicks.
—Patrick A. McLaughlin, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Lars Brandle, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025
The current budget, enacted in June, had a $20 billion deficit that was closed by tapping into the state’s emergency reserves, borrowing from special funds, postponing some payments and adopting some bookkeeping gimmicks.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
These elements are not gimmicks; they are carefully designed to deepen understanding and emotional connection.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 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
This desire for meaningful experiences is pushing brands to innovate, not with gimmicks, but with authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and human connection at the core.
—Emily Weiss, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025
These numbers are not smoke and mirrors or budgeting gimmicks.
—Patrick A. McLaughlin, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmicks
Noun
-
Episode 4 finds both Ellen and Julia throwing themselves headlong into plans that require them to keep up major ruses.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Big-ticket gadgets just dropped in price on Amazon today, and the savings are huge.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In the '80s, KITT's diagnostic abilities and the futuristic medical gadgets in Star Trek IV mesmerized us.—
Sanath Chilakala,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
My connection often improved a few minutes later, but those drops could result in stuttering in games, hitches in streaming, and slow file downloads.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The operation involved multiple money laundering schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Investigations by a Milan court that uncovered ties of luxury brands such as Loro Piana, Valentino, Dior and Giorgio Armani, among others, to subcontractors involved in sweatshop schemes have raised concerns about the industry’s ability to manage its supply chains effectively.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Others say that approach risks keeping critical documents under wraps and delays a fuller accounting.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
At Electric Goddess, their projects begin with an in-depth strategy session to align on goals, risks, and vision before tailoring a plan that fits.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some analysts are forecasting the company to raise prices on its devices even after all Cook has done to avoid the worst of the tariffs.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
-
All devices are slated for release in Europe shortly, and Roborock says that the robot lawn mowers will come to the US eventually.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 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
Noun
-
From sleight-of-hand tricks to daring stunts, the afternoon is designed to keep the laughs and gasps coming.—
Tiffani Jackson Skinner,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Even if your furry friend has already mastered the obedience basics, try adding some new party tricks to their command repertoire.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmicks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmicks. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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