1
as in gadgets
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
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
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2024
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
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
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
Noun
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The Arts District Market This store will sell a variety of travel necessities, including tech gadgets and small items.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
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What this means for you This research brings us closer to safe, at-home or small-scale recycling kits that could recover silver from old gadgets.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Industries sprouted and bloomed, inventions burgeoned, standards of living for masses always hit new heights.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Her childhood was a very creative one, filled with drawing, painting, designing, and tinkering with small inventions.—
Ugonnaora Owoh,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Powering Ahead, which is scheduled for next Thursday, will focus on innovations in energy and plastics technology.—
Katherine Fung,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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As evidenced by the years of work and billions spent just to attain drug approval, pharmaceutical companies go to enormous lengths to get their innovations into the marketplace.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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