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
There are chase scenes, contraptions to operate, tricky platforms to get past and puzzles to solve.
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The New York Times, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Even better: Despite the fear that may accompany placing a contraption so close to your eyeballs, high-quality eyelash curlers do the trick without pinching or pulling.
—Lindsay Colameo, Allure, 26 Dec. 2024
Older humidifiers often looked like terrifying contraptions and were used mostly in hospital settings to help people with respiratory conditions.
—Whizy Kim, Vox, 20 Dec. 2024
To maximize his time, Boardman uses a contraption not unlike ones used to pick up tennis balls to scoop up the acorns.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contraption 
The New York Times, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Even better: Despite the fear that may accompany placing a contraption so close to your eyeballs, high-quality eyelash curlers do the trick without pinching or pulling.
—Lindsay Colameo, Allure, 26 Dec. 2024
Older humidifiers often looked like terrifying contraptions and were used mostly in hospital settings to help people with respiratory conditions.
—Whizy Kim, Vox, 20 Dec. 2024
To maximize his time, Boardman uses a contraption not unlike ones used to pick up tennis balls to scoop up the acorns.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contraption
Thesaurus Entries Near contraption
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraption. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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