1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
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2
as in invention
something (as a device) created for the first time through the use of the imagination
despite the many modern contrivances for saving time and labor, we seem to have less leisure and energy than ever before
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3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
in that writer's hands, narrative contrivance can often deteriorate into pointless gimmickry
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Recent Examples of contrivance
Often this involves teasing out the emotional possibilities of game-design contrivances.
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Gabriel Winslow-Yost, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
In the late nineteen-nineties, Back was an obscure English cryptographer known for a contrivance called hashcash, one of the many conceptual forerunners to Bitcoin.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024
The first episode of Daryl Dixon Season 2 is so poorly written, with so many contrivances, plot holes and rookie mistakes, I am left with zero faith in the rest of the season.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Still, Hoffman’s demanding and radical view of documentary filmmaking and its inherent contrivances was artistically fruitful, not as a dictate to other filmmakers but a guiding light for his own work.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance 
Gabriel Winslow-Yost, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
In the late nineteen-nineties, Back was an obscure English cryptographer known for a contrivance called hashcash, one of the many conceptual forerunners to Bitcoin.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024
The first episode of Daryl Dixon Season 2 is so poorly written, with so many contrivances, plot holes and rookie mistakes, I am left with zero faith in the rest of the season.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Still, Hoffman’s demanding and radical view of documentary filmmaking and its inherent contrivances was artistically fruitful, not as a dictate to other filmmakers but a guiding light for his own work.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
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The best deals on popular products — like Apple must-haves, best-selling fashion finds, and buzzy tech and home gadgets — are always at risk of selling out.Averi Baudler, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
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The gadgets are especially great, with steep discounts on Roombas and Apple tech galore.Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
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PolitiFact examined some of the pages that regularly spread content touting Musk and his fake inventions.Loreben Tuquero, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Nov. 2024
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At the time of its invention over 80 years ago, the PPK inspired an entirely new category in the firearm industry, now widely known as the concealed carry pistol.Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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But the winning project also brings forth the idea that cinema can help preserve dying worlds while at the same time enriching our imagination with new possibilities of being together and of making films.Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
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Do your research, ask direct questions and formulate an enticing plan that captures the imagination of everyone involved.Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
Noun
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These tools ensure precise incisions and minimal scarring.Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
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Implementing Transcription There are a multitude of transcription tools and services available, both free and paid.Beth Worthy, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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As the crypto landscape continues to evolve with more innovations, BNB Chain will snatch the limelight from others as a rising star in the digital financial realm.Jon Stojan, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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As consumer mindsets increasingly prioritize efficacy and skin-loving benefits in both skincare and makeup products, K-beauty’s reputation for innovation offers a distinct competitive advantage in Western markets.Danielle James, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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There were four of the contraptions, said Michigan State Police Specialist Lt. Derrick Carroll.Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 8 Nov. 2024
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One of them brings a suitcase contraption that gives them all new perspective about their relationships until the game goes wildly awry.Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
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This positive, forward-thinking approach can inspire voluntary compliance and unlock a wave of creativity in the commercial real estate sector.Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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This too carries a whiff of desperation, as though people are intentionally putting on a brave face and shoving forward symbols of our collective creativity and togetherness.Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near contrivance
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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