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 risks
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 gimmicks
The whole night seemed driven by gimmicks more than a clear or coherent message, and was devoid of any new policy ideas that would be obvious wins for GOP lawmakers.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
No gimmicks, just fashion at face value.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Forget about sonic devices, scare devices or other gimmicks.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Success means balanced budgets that protect essential services without gimmicks or deficit spending, and a county hospital that is strong, accessible, and financially secure.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
There are no gimmicks, there’s no learning curve.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
No gimmicks, no nonsense, straight shooter, the woman who gets things done.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Her marketing didn’t rely on gimmicks, just consistently excellent music released at the right moments, and an always on strategy.
—Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for gimmicks that have nothing to do with health.
—Wolfgang Klietmann, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Philip Elliott, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
No gimmicks, just fashion at face value.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Forget about sonic devices, scare devices or other gimmicks.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Success means balanced budgets that protect essential services without gimmicks or deficit spending, and a county hospital that is strong, accessible, and financially secure.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
There are no gimmicks, there’s no learning curve.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
No gimmicks, no nonsense, straight shooter, the woman who gets things done.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Her marketing didn’t rely on gimmicks, just consistently excellent music released at the right moments, and an always on strategy.
—Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for gimmicks that have nothing to do with health.
—Wolfgang Klietmann, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmicks
Noun
-
The New York Colored American reported that some offers of short-term work for Black men — moving livestock to or from Kentucky, for example — were ruses that ended with kidnappings.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Many suspect a spam call and don't pick up the phone, leading foundation staff to sometimes devise ruses.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But Asghar says wearable gadgets can potentially handle some tasks more efficiently than a phone, like instant translations during a conversation.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Greasy appliances, gadgets, and kitchen cabinets can all be cleaned with neutral oils.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And while some seasons in the past have felt safe in the Italian fashion capital, many Milan designers took risks this season, pushing a distinct vision.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
-
But that risks projecting the weakness Tehran is so allergic to.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ratta warns of schemes targeting grandparents.—
Jennifer Bisram,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury came after a yearslong federal investigation and alleged Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But her journey hasn’t been without a few hitches.—
Aaron Tolentino,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The draft horse shows this week during the stock show’s 120th anniversary will include 15 six-horse hitches, or six horses pulling a wagon.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The dog, whose name was Buckshot, continued a tradition that started in the late 1970s, where the dog performed tricks at MSU events.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The 100% tactical success turned more on James Bond tricks than Tom Clancy technology.—
Robert A. Pape,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Legislators on Connecticut’s General Law Committee are considering a bill aimed at ensuring consumers understand the potential pitfalls of medical credit cards before signing up.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
26 Feb. 2026
-
To avoid potential pitfalls, choose crops that will work with your specific growing conditions.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That’s forcing electronics manufacturers to cut down on memory in their devices or focus on making premium products.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Some business taxes are based on a flat rate per tax period and others are based on the amount of vehicles, machines, devices or equipment used, the number of employees, square footage of the area, seating capacity, or the scale of fees collected, according to Rodriguez’s motion.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gimmicks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmicks. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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