1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
To gain her confidence, Arabella pretends to be Jewish (a hokey contrivance that Shakespeare would have approved of), and Indji shares the story of her banishment.
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
Get past the contrivances, and the comedy has some perceptive observations about the way grief and secrets can color a relationship, plus some very trenchant commentary about the sorry state of the Los Angeles real estate market.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
Get past the contrivances, and the comedy has some perceptive observations about the way grief and secrets can color a relationship, plus some very trenchant commentary about the sorry state of the Los Angeles real estate market.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods – specifically those sourced from China – are expected to heighten the prices of everyday tech products, from iPhones to laptops, cars and even smaller gadgets like headphones and computer mice.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
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The matchbox-sized gadget houses a bunch of sensors to measure changes in temperature, and the aforementioned gases by collecting them in a small chamber that doesn't come in contact with your skin.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Besides being an agency invention ungrounded in the statute, disparate impact liability stands antidiscrimination law on its head.—
The Editors,
National Review,
25 Apr. 2025
-
One of her inventions is a program called RAH (Ready for American Hospitality), which opens the minds and hearts of students by pairing them with refugees from the ECDC/African Community Center.—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
His idea appeared to be developing content about the club — not dissimilar to the manner in which Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have captured the imagination at Wrexham — and introducing Dagenham & Redbridge to new markets.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Francis captured the imaginations of believers and non-believers alike. 10:57 Pope Francis, whose time as head of the Catholic Church was noted for an everyman humility and outreach efforts to people of disparate backgrounds and faiths, has died at 88, the Vatican has confirmed.—
Phoebe Natanson,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The supplements are a crucial tool for averting malnutrition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Their conversation with Frost helped alter the public perception of meditation from a niche spiritual pursuit into a practical tool for personal growth.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The great innovation of The Last of Us Part II was this switch in perspectives, which continues throughout the game.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This means celebrating what makes our city unique, such as its history and culture, while fostering innovation and growth to meet future challenges.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This little contraption hooks onto the tray table to give your legs a more natural, elevated position.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2025
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Ditch the giant Hula-Hoop in Vegas Even though Fremont Street’s pedestrian mall resembles a circus, the Las Vegas City Council does not permit such cirque contraptions as unicycles or Hula-Hoops wider than 4 feet.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This experience changed my life and my entire approach to creativity as a designer and an artist.—
Ralph Rucci,
Robb Report,
20 Apr. 2025
-
That edge matters—in talent retention, in creativity and in bottom-line performance.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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