1
as in gadgets
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in inventions
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivances
Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford).
—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots.
—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Even those unfamiliar with the story are likely to scoff at the new plot contrivances.
—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
19 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
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—
Sacbee.com,
18 Dec. 2025
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 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
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots.
—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Even those unfamiliar with the story are likely to scoff at the new plot contrivances.
—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
19 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
In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances.
—
Sacbee.com,
18 Dec. 2025
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
Noun
-
The large-scale furniture and housewares retailer was known for leasing enormous, Costco-like spaces to sell everything from patio furniture to candles, kitchen gadgets and decor.
-
Use a tech organizer Loose chargers, cables, and gadgets are easy to misplace during security checks, boarding, and even in-flight, where space is limited.
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.
-
The possibility of what could be different has powered many of its inventions and helped define its national identity.
Noun
-
Mendoza said that the search had been exceedingly difficult without the right tools.
-
The Drug Enforcement Administration does have those tools, and sometimes works with Brennan's office to investigate cases.
Noun
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Numerous healthcare innovations, integrative therapies and emerging treatments are currently being studied across the country.
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Claire Goodier, who leads the intellectual property division at UK Fusion Energy Ltd, confirmed that these applications represent the initial wave of STEP innovations entering the public sphere through the international patent framework.
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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