1
as in gadgets
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 inventions
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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivances
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.
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Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 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
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 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
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 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
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
Noun
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Eventually, these gadgets led me toward being more interested in the mechanics of music-making.Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
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There are new gadgets on the market that purport to put you right to bed in 15 to 30 minutes.Audrey Botta, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The Curious History of Your Home This podcast explores the creation of genius household inventions that people have long taken for granted, such as clocks, toilets, and wallpaper.Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024
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Patent grants exclusive rights to inventors for specific, novel inventions or processes.Tonya M. Evans, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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As new products and innovations hit the market and her solo travels continue, she's curated quite the arsenal of safety devices and accessories.Stephanie Gray, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2025
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Crypto has plenty of unique characteristics, including the underlying blockchain technology along with innovations such as staking and DeFi.Nimrod Lehavi, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near contrivances
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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