1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
that free dinner is just a sales gimmick to get you to listen to their sales pitch
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2
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a car equipped with a parking spot locator and other neat gimmicks
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
the deal sounds too good to be true, so make sure there aren't any gimmicks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gimmick
This isn’t to say that the menu at the Otter deals only in gimmicks.
—
Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
There are no video games and gimmicks, no emphasis on a work-in-progress autonomous driving system, and no sense that the driver is being forced to comply with a single-minded view of what the future should look like.
—Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
As referenced in the post, the company actually does offer free corrective treatment to professional sports officials, presumably a cheeky marketing gimmick.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
The Wii's motion controls were a gimmick, but also pretty effective.
—Rahul Majumdar, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
There are no video games and gimmicks, no emphasis on a work-in-progress autonomous driving system, and no sense that the driver is being forced to comply with a single-minded view of what the future should look like.
—Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
As referenced in the post, the company actually does offer free corrective treatment to professional sports officials, presumably a cheeky marketing gimmick.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
The Wii's motion controls were a gimmick, but also pretty effective.
—Rahul Majumdar, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
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The idea of doctors posing as podcasters to make men more suggestible is already a winner, but the language the doctors employ to complete the ruse ratchets up the comedy.—
Joe Berkowitz,
Vulture,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Is this to maintain the ruse of amateurism to go along with the players’ professed allegiance to and love of this particular university, however temporary?—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
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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A little more than four hours in the air without a hitch.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The Ritz-Carlton spans 144 acres of property and went through its own massive renovation in 2021 ensuring that fan favorite events from poolside parties to the Grand Finale Dinner at Michelin starred Blue by Eric Ripert and more could continue without a hitch.—
Alissa Fitzgerald,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury came after a yearslong federal investigation and alleged Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
-
On Friday, Reardon tossed the case against Mario Juarez, the longtime political operative and twice-failed Oakland City Council candidate who claimed to have been the target of an extortion scheme by Price.—
Jakob Rodgers,
The Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While misinformation and distortion of facts become tools of manipulation, documentary filmmaking reminds us of the power of truth.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
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
-
At the risk of flogging whatever’s left of Secretariat, Clark is the WNBA’s horse whisperer.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
7 Mar. 2025
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The Rise Of SaaS And IIoT Rising costs, including both supplies and labor, along with the constant risk of supply chain disruptions pressure manufacturers to improve efficiency and resilience.—
Ed Garibian,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.—
Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2025
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Attendees will learn tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, which are on loan with a fully refundable deposit if they are returned in good condition, as well as how to transport cats safely.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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By focusing on building a robust and scalable business, Stripe has remained a market leader and avoided many common pitfalls of premature decision making.—
Will Fan,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Read on to go over our step-by-step guide to identifying trustworthy companies and avoiding common pitfalls.—
Gabriel Rodriguez,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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