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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The two-state solution has become a dangerous gimmick.
—
Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
For context, California’s total general-fund budget receipts are around $208 billion and the state recently struggled to shave $20 billion (mostly through gimmicks) from its spending.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Johnson should not rely on budgetary gimmicks to balance the budget.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
These numbers are not smoke and mirrors or budgeting gimmicks.
—Patrick A. McLaughlin, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
For context, California’s total general-fund budget receipts are around $208 billion and the state recently struggled to shave $20 billion (mostly through gimmicks) from its spending.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Johnson should not rely on budgetary gimmicks to balance the budget.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
These numbers are not smoke and mirrors or budgeting gimmicks.
—Patrick A. McLaughlin, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
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Or is this all one very expensive and beautifully shot Suzy Homemaker-esque ruse?—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Aug. 2025
-
If all goes well, the grass will sprout before the birds figure out your ruse.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But perhaps you're set on purchasing a new EV with the latest gadgets and upgrades.—
Jim Sergent,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Dubbed the NotePin, the gadget has found a fast growing audience.—
Iain Martin,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The singer performed for the first time Down Under on the Melbourne stop of her Yours, C tour, and the show went off without a hitch until Cabello suffered a wardrobe malfunction mid-performance.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
With the exception of an emergency alarm mistakenly blaring for a few seconds late in the first half, the debut of the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium went off without a hitch, and that included the outcome.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Each practice has featured myriad personnel groupings, with the offensive and defensive scheme installs tapering off as game preparation takes shape.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Both votes were marred by what prosecutors said was a massive vote-buying scheme orchestrated by Shor, who has spent much of his time in Russia since he was convicted for his role in the 2014 theft of $1 billion from Moldovan banks.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Figma added four new AI-native tools to its platform this quarter and told investors on the call to expect significant investments in AI going forward.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Sep. 2025
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Traders currently place the odds of a 25 basis-point cut at 98 percent, according to the CME FedWatch tool.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
So is a certain pride in what one is able to get away with, the thrill of learning new tricks and showing them off.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
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The trick, according to Brooks, is to think like an entrepreneur and treat your life like a startup.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Her mother and grandmother had gotten through the pitfalls of motherhood without medication or other forms of support; her mom worked a full-time job while raising three kids.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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Just as automation ultimately changed manufacturing, AI will undoubtedly reshape how companies operate; however, GM’s experience highlights the pitfalls of not thinking about its implementation carefully.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.
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