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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivance
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
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
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
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
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Compared to the other types of gadgets vying to be the intermediary in our buying process, Alexa+ has serious disadvantages.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
26 Feb. 2025
-
With so many options to choose from, the tricky part is actually deciding which gadget to buy.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Tharp, setting herself the challenge of Beethoven’s mammoth and adventurous Diabelli Variations, responds with her own ideas about theme and variation, employing her formidable powers of invention and wit.—
Vince Aletti,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
-
This Fayette, Alabama, invention first made its debut in 1928 and quickly became a staple on breakfast tables and in beloved Southern desserts like pecan pie.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Regret is double suffering, while worry about the future is a misuse of imagination.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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However, the series never shows Proteus in action, leaving much of its menace to the imagination.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This versatile bag also makes a thoughtful gift for any traveler, offering enough space to fit hair tools, toiletries, medication, and more.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2025
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What to watch: Scores of health tech companies now advertise tools, often driven by artificial intelligence, aimed at cutting down provider workload by automating administrative tasks.—
Maya Goldman,
Axios,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For brands looking to maximize Instagram’s 2 billion monthly active users, this is the next step in social commerce innovation.—
Fairchild Studio,
WWD,
3 Mar. 2025
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So, what’s the best approach to navigating innovation and deciding what’s best for your business?—
Claus Jepsen,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Being on a red carpet is already stressful enough for everyone there; that ecosystem doesn’t need a Saw-like contraption that could knock out Chloe Fineman that much.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The Steinbeck plaque was face up in a metal contraption called a casting flask.—
Michael Schulman,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But the singer-songwriter is adept at funneling past pain into the present, and seems driven and solid in his creativity and life.—
Katherine Turman,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2025
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Importantly, organizations that value creativity and continuous innovation are not only more experienced in reimagining how new ideas can enhance their work but also in bringing them to life.—
Jodi Euerle Eddy,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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