as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
built a contraption for automatically buttering toast
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Recent Examples of contraption
Footage shows the lovebird riding high inside a clear cabin attached to a drone, as the contraption glides through the air before gently descending toward the ground.
—
Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
The contraption was notably simple, engineering experts told Fox News Digital, and didn't reflect particularly advanced mechanical engineering for a graduating senior at Caltech.
—Asra Q. Nomani , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
When repeatedly tested on the magician's stovepipe chapeau, the contraption — which was intended to make the hat disappear — seemingly failed.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
There are a million and one videos of ag workers across Asia using the engines—often sourced from Yanmar and Kubota—to power wagons and irrigation pumps, among other contraptions.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
The contraption was notably simple, engineering experts told Fox News Digital, and didn't reflect particularly advanced mechanical engineering for a graduating senior at Caltech.
—Asra Q. Nomani , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
When repeatedly tested on the magician's stovepipe chapeau, the contraption — which was intended to make the hat disappear — seemingly failed.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
There are a million and one videos of ag workers across Asia using the engines—often sourced from Yanmar and Kubota—to power wagons and irrigation pumps, among other contraptions.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraption
gadget
Noun
-
The cordless cleaning gadget has powerful suction that cleans hardwood floors and carpets with ease.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
-
But while Batman tends to save lives with a plethora of gadgets and advanced combat techniques, the actor playing him wound up needing nothing more than the good old-fashioned Heimlich maneuver.—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraption. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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