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
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 contrivances
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
Dara’s performance remains its only bright element but even that gets lost in the many surrounding contrivances.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Is the format—the set, the show structure, the million contrivances—part of the joke?
—Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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
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
Dara’s performance remains its only bright element but even that gets lost in the many surrounding contrivances.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Is the format—the set, the show structure, the million contrivances—part of the joke?
—Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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
-
Top sellers of Amazon’s biggest clearance sale Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has been a massive success for online shoppers seeking deep discounts on everything from kitchen appliances and skincare products to DIY tools and tech gadgets.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Apple would go on to revolutionize the tech industry, creating innovative, intuitive and beautiful gadgets billions of people would buy again and again.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And even the earthbound will feel the benefits — the myriad inventions that have been adapted for everyday use, the economic boost of the space industry, the proliferation of careers that draw young people toward science, technology and math courses.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Other key inventions from that year include the floppy disk, the first handheld scientific calculator (the HP-35) and the Hacky Sack.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
-
New tools like mixed reality technologies and spatial computing might offer a way for the biennial form to mutate, in response to our own age, rather than die.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Other activities on offer in town include visiting the Folsom History Museum, which has a temporary exhibition on the history of the Folsom Rodeo running through Jan 2027 and a permanent exhibition on Folsom’s innovations in industries like gold mining, railroads and agriculture.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical minerals landscape as of early 2026, examining individual mineral profiles, supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical dynamics, and the technical innovations that may reshape supply over the coming decade.—
Interesting Engineering,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
