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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 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
-
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
-
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
-
Rather than having to design a vehicle or device around a battery brick, builders could theoretically structure the battery to fit into the optimal space in the vehicle or gadget.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Models congregated outside in the smoking area, naturally, while the Burberry PR team could be spotted clinking glasses to celebrate their blockbuster show going off without a hitch.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
25 Feb. 2025
-
During showtime, the skit went off without a hitch, with Segel giving the iconic towel surprise before walking off-camera.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Since Glossip’s 1998 conviction as the alleged orchestrator of a murder-for-hire scheme targeting his boss, Oklahoma City motel owner Barry Van Treese, a raft of issues with his prosecution has surfaced, coinciding with a shift of political winds now at the inmate’s back.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Build a team that innovates Push your team to use the tools.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Farmers and environmental groups have sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture after the agency removed from its website numerous online tools, data sets and services related to climate change.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
What is relentlessly missing in the ongoing coverage of America’s pain through job losses and now the inflationary impact of tariffs is the relentless and real reality that the fiscal situation of America is at serious risk of falling off a cliff.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Sean Hecht, managing attorney for the California regional office of Earthjustice, a nonprofit focused on litigating environmental issues, believes the state’s youngest monuments are most at risk of being rolled back, citing political reasons.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.—
Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share