1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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
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
-
President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods – specifically those sourced from China – are expected to heighten the prices of everyday tech products, from iPhones to laptops, cars and even smaller gadgets like headphones and computer mice.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Other pricey items included designer clothes and tech gadgets.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Just a short walk from the soundstage where the cast was filming that climactic scene is a workshop containing some of Reed's inventions.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Betty’s world is introduced with real decor, like a big grey bed and an amusingly goofy invention of Grampy’s, but the handmade quality falls by the wayside as most of the rest of David Rockwell’s sets are conjured via that old menace, the big flat LED screen.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Listen to this article Starting a new theater company during this perilous time for arts funding takes guts, imagination and talent.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Thanks to the creativity and collaboration of teams across WB Pictures and the entire company, our film about the power of imagination and building something bigger than ourselves sparked incredible reactions from audiences everywhere.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Clinics, meanwhile, grapple with strict 340B compliance requirements—often without adequate staff or tools to manage efficiently.—
Craig Lebrau,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Shop on Amazon and get this set of gardening gloves and small tools in a fashionable carrying bag.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The great innovation of The Last of Us Part II was this switch in perspectives, which continues throughout the game.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This means celebrating what makes our city unique, such as its history and culture, while fostering innovation and growth to meet future challenges.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This little contraption hooks onto the tray table to give your legs a more natural, elevated position.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Ditch the giant Hula-Hoop in Vegas Even though Fremont Street’s pedestrian mall resembles a circus, the Las Vegas City Council does not permit such cirque contraptions as unicycles or Hula-Hoops wider than 4 feet.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This experience changed my life and my entire approach to creativity as a designer and an artist.—
Ralph Rucci,
Robb Report,
20 Apr. 2025
-
That edge matters—in talent retention, in creativity and in bottom-line performance.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share