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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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
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With a 30% discount right now, this is a neat gadget for anyone who loves to scrapbook, create photo books, or preserve treasured memories.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
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Consumers are no longer satisfied with connected home gadgets that operate in silos or require a patchwork of apps and hubs.—
Michael De Nil,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Today, the fashion industry and historians recognize this as the invention of the modern bra.—
Molly Peck,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
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For all its idealism and command of several languages, Kraftwerk recognized Atomic Age inventions had their own negatives.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, your imagination and feelings of sympathy are heightened, which makes this an excellent day for working in the arts or in counseling fields.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
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Mercury in Pisces is a completely different vibe — one that pulls us away from the hard facts and into the realms of intuition, imagination and spirituality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Such tools could save people time and energy in everyday tasks while aiding with fields like medical research.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Customers can use the store locator tool to confirm hours for their local restaurant.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The risk is that this policy could stifle innovation and creativity, which thrive in diverse environments.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Are there new innovations to be found in marketing and building a more active booster community?—
Childs Walker,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Not some simple planks and nails contraption affixed to a low branch, mind you.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
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Back at the Dutton ranch, Jacob and Jack (Darren Man) are assembling some sort of contraption that could pass for a torture tool.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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There’s an undeniable surge of creativity and innovation in next-generation media outlets that are squarely targeting Black audiences.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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The show, which has popped up around Chicago and Evanston regularly since August, offers a safe space for performers and a reminder to audiences of the power of creativity.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
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