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
One belief is that this is essentially a monopolistic contrivance.
—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 Mar. 2026
That was complemented by what was known as a Tony Gwynn SoloHitter contrivance, through which four chords connected to a baseball would reset the ball to its waist-high starting point after each thwacking during all hours of the day.
—
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 Mar. 2026
That was complemented by what was known as a Tony Gwynn SoloHitter contrivance, through which four chords connected to a baseball would reset the ball to its waist-high starting point after each thwacking during all hours of the day.
—
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along.
—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
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Streaming boxes, chargers, and smart home gadgets can quietly add to your electricity bill.
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It’s aimed more at campers, drivers, field workers, and anyone who would rather carry one very chunky device than several separate gadgets.
Noun
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Six years before Karl Benz’s first car and almost two decades prior to Henry Ford’s initial inventions, George Selden filed the first patent for a road engine, in 1879.
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The forces of ignorance and grift even managed to turn parts of Americans against vaccines, arguably the single most life-saving medical invention in human history.
Noun
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The beautiful Grace Kelly captured the world's attention and imagination (and still does) for decades, but no one was more enamored by the actress than Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
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No one was worried about screentime, and teachers didn't have to battle phones and short attention spans to capture their students' imaginations.
Noun
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The handle of the FieldSpork incorporates two fold-out tools.
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The tools now entering those classrooms are more powerful and far less accountable than anyone writing that legislation could have imagined.
Noun
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These economies lose their cheap labor advantage, but don’t have the domestic innovation to create the high-value sectors to compete with wealthier nations.
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Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.
Noun
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There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
Noun
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The contraption was invented not once but twice within two years and at the same company laboratory.
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On this day in 1884, the Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway, the wooden contraption generally considered to have been America’s first roller coaster, opened at Coney Island.
Noun
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Aguirre removed Quiñones in favor or taller options, but Mexico never recovered from the loss of offensive creativity.
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This is a special week to focus upon your heart’s desires, creativity, and romantic world.
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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