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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

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Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contrivance 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 Two things keep this contrivance held together in tenuous balance: a clear dramatic framework and Coppola’s sheer strength of feeling. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2024 The moment when Alcala nearly attacks Sheryl at her car, only to be saved by a last-second stage door opening is also likely a narrative contrivance. Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 Often this involves teasing out the emotional possibilities of game-design contrivances. Gabriel Winslow-Yost, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrivance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
  • Hackers use a variety of methods to turn your gadgets into botnet zombies.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Watch Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas on Disney+ 8-Bit Christmas If the latest and greatest game or gadget tops your child's wish list, then 8-Bit Christmas (2021) is the film for you!
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • In the 20th century, things became even more like a space voyage with the invention of the nuclear submarine.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The company paid more than $352,000 for access to bodies and lab space to train doctors on its invention from 2019 through 2023, shortly before it was acquired by Boston Scientific. The University of North Texas Health Science Center regularly leased out unclaimed bodies for research and training.
    Jon Schuppe, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But the challenge, accompanied by a deadline, was enough to spark the collective imagination of thousands of others—scientists and engineers who took the challenge as an opportunity to use their skills in pursuit of a larger purpose.
    Carmine Gallo, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
  • My Alina Abegg label lets us be inspired by the imaginations of children.
    Valerie Präkelt, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This is an important reminder that AI is just a tool.
    Arianna Huffington, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
  • That paradox led to an idea: create a library of photobooks in Ghana to bring the African story home, allowing people to learn about their history and give them the tools to tell new stories of the continent.
    Max Posner, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • By embracing these strategic shifts, companies position themselves for greater control, scalability and innovation.
    Akshay Prabhu, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • His research focuses on how businesses can adapt their models to enhance competitiveness and innovation.
    David Pastoriza, Harvard Business Review, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The hotel’s concern for parents extends to details like a lime-green plastic step stool at the marble bathroom sinks and matching plastic contraption hung from the faucet to bring water closer to a person of small stature.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024
  • People lament that most cars on the road today are 4,000-pound contraptions with just one person in them.
    WIRED Staff, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Increasing digital competency among our associates will provide growth opportunities, drive change, inspire innovative thinking, and stimulate creativity.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • However, expect some tension on Jan. 3, when Mars retrograde (in your 11th house of friendships) opposes Pluto (in your fifth house of creativity and romance).
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 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 Jan. 2025.

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