1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
that free dinner is just a sales gimmick to get you to listen to their sales pitch
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2
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a car equipped with a parking spot locator and other neat gimmicks
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3
as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
the deal sounds too good to be true, so make sure there aren't any gimmicks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gimmick
Skip the gimmicks and focus on creating value consistently.
—
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
These films are often only as good as their gimmicks, which include — in at least a few cases — clowns.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025
While fashion brands are no strangers to chasing trends, some may still see generative AI as a futuristic gimmick rather than a bottom-line tool.
—Zehra Soysal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Yes, the new Trump budget has bright spots, but those gains are neutralized by massive defense spending, costly immigration priorities and persistent gimmicks.
—Veronique De Rugy, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
These films are often only as good as their gimmicks, which include — in at least a few cases — clowns.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025
While fashion brands are no strangers to chasing trends, some may still see generative AI as a futuristic gimmick rather than a bottom-line tool.
—Zehra Soysal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Yes, the new Trump budget has bright spots, but those gains are neutralized by massive defense spending, costly immigration priorities and persistent gimmicks.
—Veronique De Rugy, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
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Important claims, like whether or not the Los Angeles wildfires were merely a ruse to hide pedophiles.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
18 May 2025
-
But a Southern California man and his co-conspirators devised an elaborate ruse — involving a boatload of fake orders and manipulation of the company’s software — that netted them millions, prosecutors say.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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The rechargeable gadget has only one button to power it on, shut it down, and adjust its speed setting.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
30 May 2025
-
The chair also comes equipped with a cupholder, a gadget holder, and a pillow.—
Brandi Fuller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 May 2025
Noun
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The Foundation series Cybertruck includes Full Self Driving (an $8,000 value) and a trailer hitch.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
The flight continues without a hitch, and Fielder attempts to open the lines of communication with his copilot, Aaron, by repeatedly asking him if everything is okay.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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The scheme was investigated by several federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
That includes knowing the scheme in the run game, being violent at the point of attack.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Other tools, such as my own Swan Dive method can help as well.—
Bryce Hoffman,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
An early morning fire at Arlington Garden in Pasadena on May 21 destroyed the garden’s storage shed and all the tools, event furniture and other equipment stored inside, as well as the electricity that powered its extensive drip irrigation system.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
Noun
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This case underscores the growing risk of sophisticated scamming schemes, especially with the growing abilities of artificial intelligence.—
Jordan King
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
-
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2025
Noun
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The secret trick of reconciliation is that Congress gets a chance to add tweaks to the budget — to reconcile it — twice every federal fiscal year.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
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Turn Strong Articles Into How-To Or Best-Practice Guides One of my favorite tricks is transforming strong articles into resources that stay relevant long-term, like how-to guides or best practices.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Knowing what to look for—and what to avoid—can help hiring managers find top talent while avoiding pitfalls like unconscious bias or inconsistent standards.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Back-to-school shopping could also be stifled by fears of what is to come as economists are already having discussions about how the Christmas season could also face pitfalls with the tariffs.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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