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
That focus on results — rather than gimmicks — is a big reason travelers are willing to fly halfway around the world for a facial.
—
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
In a crowded reusable-bottle market the Maxi doesn’t try to stand apart through visual excess or technical gimmicks.
—New Atlas, 12 May 2026
The three resorts enjoyed expansion and growth throughout the 2010s by utilizing low prices, gimmicks and attractions to lure guests.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
By contrast, the Republican plan relies on one-off gimmicks and volatile funding schemes that don’t last.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Not that Puth needs any guests or gimmicks to win over crowds on his Whatever’s Clever!
—Peter Larsen, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026
The old stadium didn’t need gimmicks.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
To commemorate the spirit of this history, Nugget is doing monthly giveaways, harkening back to these gimmicks.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The need for all these gimmicks is something that Margo didn’t initially realize.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
In a crowded reusable-bottle market the Maxi doesn’t try to stand apart through visual excess or technical gimmicks.
—New Atlas, 12 May 2026
The three resorts enjoyed expansion and growth throughout the 2010s by utilizing low prices, gimmicks and attractions to lure guests.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
By contrast, the Republican plan relies on one-off gimmicks and volatile funding schemes that don’t last.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Not that Puth needs any guests or gimmicks to win over crowds on his Whatever’s Clever!
—Peter Larsen, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026
The old stadium didn’t need gimmicks.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
To commemorate the spirit of this history, Nugget is doing monthly giveaways, harkening back to these gimmicks.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The need for all these gimmicks is something that Margo didn’t initially realize.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmicks
Noun
-
Kids will quickly see through her ruses.—
Elise Broach,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
These 11 handy gadgets, tasty ingredients and practical tools will soon be your favorite bakers’ newest kitchen indispensables.—
Catherine Garcia,
TheWeek,
12 May 2026
-
Sean Hollister is a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys.—
Sean Hollister,
The Verge,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Botin and the Spanish started taking risks, breaking out to the far side of the course in a bid to get a winning split on the Australians, but to no avail.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Highlighting his emergency response to the Palisades Fire, Allen has a four step plan to stabilize the market, hold the industry accountable, transform the Department into a rapid-response agency and reduce risks.—
Teagan Davidge,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Working within different schemes tested Smith’s versatility and football IQ.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
-
Trevor began imagining elaborate criminal schemes.—
Matt Thompson,
SPIN,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
All three of these Yakima racks use trailer hitches for mounting, rather than suction, roof racks, or your rear door.—
Andrew P. Collins,
The Drive,
13 May 2026
-
But her journey hasn’t been without a few hitches.—
Aaron Tolentino,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Talent can be seen everywhere, as some students have been able to incorporate back flips and other tricks to elevate their game.—
Marcella Baietto,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
-
Regular Maintenance Is Key Even with helpful tricks and ideal placement, regular cleaning remains the most effective way to keep algae under control.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Some have already pointed out the system’s pitfalls, however.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
11 May 2026
-
To be sure, the stock market could continue to climb a wall of worry and rise to new heights, if the largest companies continue to navigate any pitfalls in the current macroeconomic setup and keep expanding their businesses.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
In the Jobs era, the Apple ecosystem was its biggest competitive advantage — Cook doubled down on it, with all devices working seamlessly together.—
Vitaliy Katsenelson,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
-
Despite their tiny size, the devices delivered some of the strongest efficiencies reported for ultrathin perovskite solar technology.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gimmicks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmicks. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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