contrivances

noun

plural of contrivance
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

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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 This can make for a frustrating watch, particularly when paired with some of the film’s more unlikely narrative contrivances. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford). — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 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 To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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
  1. gadgets
  2. inventions
  3. tools
  4. innovations
Noun
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The power of each port (four USB-C, one USB-A) varies depending on how many gadgets are plugged in, up to 160W total.
    — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of gadgets
Noun
  • From the airplane to the transistor, inventions developed in the United States have radically changed how people travel, communicate, manufacture goods, and understand the world.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Combining the two would bring the tech and infrastructure parts of Musk’s empire together (the Wall Street pitch) and a hyperconcentrated bet on the billionaire’s inventions, politics, and personality (the actual pitch).
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of inventions
Noun
  • In 2005, Chris and Robin Sorensen created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with a mission of providing first-responders with life-saving equipment, tools and education.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Mia Lerner, a 17-year-old high school senior in California and a youth body image activist, knows the toll these digital tools can take.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of tools
Noun
  • Here are 10 American inventions and innovations whose influence extends far beyond their origins.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Not to mention, the model holds some 18 patented innovations.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of innovations

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contrivance
contrivances
contrive
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Cite this Entry

“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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