1
as in ruses
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 gadgets
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 risks
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
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Recent Examples of gimmicks
There are no gimmicks, there’s no learning curve.
—
James Raia, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
No gimmicks, no nonsense, straight shooter, the woman who gets things done.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Her marketing didn’t rely on gimmicks, just consistently excellent music released at the right moments, and an always on strategy.
—Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for gimmicks that have nothing to do with health.
—Wolfgang Klietmann, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Republican lawmakers have criticized Newsom’s budget as based in accounting gimmicks, and one that does not address meaningful financial problems as the governor is broadly known to be considering a presidential campaign in 2028.
—Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
These are cosmetic gimmicks, however.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Instead of chasing gimmicks or exaggerated specifications, its design focuses on adaptability, control, and long-term reliability.
—New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Still, most of the promotional material around the movie sidelined the ever-dour Alex Garland and his real-life veteran co-writer, Ray Mendoza, in favor of gimmicks like Michael Gandolfini introducing his co-stars.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
James Raia, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
No gimmicks, no nonsense, straight shooter, the woman who gets things done.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Her marketing didn’t rely on gimmicks, just consistently excellent music released at the right moments, and an always on strategy.
—Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for gimmicks that have nothing to do with health.
—Wolfgang Klietmann, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Republican lawmakers have criticized Newsom’s budget as based in accounting gimmicks, and one that does not address meaningful financial problems as the governor is broadly known to be considering a presidential campaign in 2028.
—Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
These are cosmetic gimmicks, however.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Instead of chasing gimmicks or exaggerated specifications, its design focuses on adaptability, control, and long-term reliability.
—New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Still, most of the promotional material around the movie sidelined the ever-dour Alex Garland and his real-life veteran co-writer, Ray Mendoza, in favor of gimmicks like Michael Gandolfini introducing his co-stars.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmicks
Noun
-
The New York Colored American reported that some offers of short-term work for Black men — moving livestock to or from Kentucky, for example — were ruses that ended with kidnappings.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Many suspect a spam call and don't pick up the phone, leading foundation staff to sometimes devise ruses.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Instead of adding more junk to your drawers, these clever gadgets actually solve kitchen dilemmas we’re all faced with.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
-
From a handy travel document organizer to a $10 luggage scale, these travel accessories and gadgets will help everyone get through the check-in line headache-free.—
Kayla Becker,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Onana has spent time in the gym and with doctors to understand his injury problems and how best to manage the risks.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While countries like Greece and New Zealand have opened more ways for people to obtain a golden visa, others have closed their schemes.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Gary needs investment and development, but none of the three Bears schemes promise more than isolated cash machines.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But her journey hasn’t been without a few hitches.—
Aaron Tolentino,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The draft horse shows this week during the stock show’s 120th anniversary will include 15 six-horse hitches, or six horses pulling a wagon.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Instead, here's how to make your house smell good with these tricks to tackle smelly odors in your home and promote pleasant scents.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
-
When later asked about the keys to forcing timing turnovers, Harmon said there are techniques and tricks of the trade that the Longhorns practice.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some law enforcement agencies are aware of the pitfalls of drug test evidence.—
Shoshana Walter,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Why beginners often overspend on gold When just starting, several pitfalls can cause investors to overspend on gold.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In September, a swarm of Russian drones flew into Poland's airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble to intercept them and shoot down some of the devices.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The countries announced a framework for the agreement in November, saying Argentina would ease restrictions on a range of American imports, including cattle, dairy products, medicines, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and vehicles.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gimmicks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmicks. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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