1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivance
Some of the plot’s contrivances don’t really make sense, but Byeon and Kim have great chemistry, and the showrunners do a fine job of combining bubbly high school drama with cheery romantic fantasy.
—
Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Instead, there’s an eventual pileup of scheming contrivances that require us to believe a character painted all along as sweetly uncomplicated was really harboring the deviousness of a criminal mastermind.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance 
Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Instead, there’s an eventual pileup of scheming contrivances that require us to believe a character painted all along as sweetly uncomplicated was really harboring the deviousness of a criminal mastermind.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
For more of home-hack gadgets that save time and energy, check out the rest of our under-$15 finds below.—
Christina Shepherd McGuire,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Feb. 2025
-
Ideal for remote workers, home office users, and families with multiple gadgets, this charging station keeps workspaces clutter-free while ensuring all devices remain powered throughout the day.—
Hilary Tetenbaum,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Technological shifts have repeatedly transformed society’s expectations, from the invention of the motor car, the discovery of antibiotics or even the mobile phone.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes,
31 Jan. 2025
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This investment comes with a national invention patent, reflecting the gimbal's innovative features and advanced technology.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Set in 1993, Lil Kev follows a 12-year-old Hart, a kid with an unstoppable imagination and a knack for turning tough realities into comedy gold.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
27 Jan. 2025
-
To make this sort of elegance truly work, especially in such a self-aware manner, one frankly needs a director with a lot more imagination and dynamism than Condon.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Access to even basic diagnostic tools could avoid over a million deaths annually.—
William Mullane,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
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Eschewing rulers and other traditional drafting tools, Fassler sketches freehand and makes floor plans subjectively scaled to the size and shape of her own body.—
Mara Hoberman,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The innovation, initially intended to protect advertisers' brands from being associated with controversial content, became widely reviled.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
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Wealth, innovation, growth, and power aren’t conjured by words.—
Matthew Continetti,
National Review,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These machines are typically massive, tentacled contraptions that require billions of dollars and decades to construct.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
24 Dec. 2024
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The company’s Ping-Pong robots take up an entire room, and there are only three; the researchers had to invent a Rube Goldberg contraption using fans, funnels, and hoppers to feed loose balls back into robot-vs.-robot games.—
James Somers,
The New Yorker,
25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This pact signifies a shared commitment to fostering Canadian creativity, telling stories from different perspectives, and delivering impactful storytelling to audiences.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Jan. 2025
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But this nod to his daughters’ creativity and their close relationship is refreshing to see from a dad of daughters.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near contrivance
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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