as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
built a contraption for automatically buttering toast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 contraption
The soft rubber organizing slats hold snowboards, alpine skis, Nordic skis, or any combination of snow gear, making this contraption a great alternative to leaning gear against the car’s paint or laying it on a rocky, grimy parking lot surface.
—
Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 13 Jan. 2025
Designed from details in L. Frank Baum’s books, the uniforms, clever contraptions, and circular sets create a sprawling campus where magic feels like an everyday occurrence.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Being on a red carpet is already stressful enough for everyone there; that ecosystem doesn’t need a Saw-like contraption that could knock out Chloe Fineman that much.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
The Steinbeck plaque was face up in a metal contraption called a casting flask.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 13 Jan. 2025
Designed from details in L. Frank Baum’s books, the uniforms, clever contraptions, and circular sets create a sprawling campus where magic feels like an everyday occurrence.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Being on a red carpet is already stressful enough for everyone there; that ecosystem doesn’t need a Saw-like contraption that could knock out Chloe Fineman that much.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
The Steinbeck plaque was face up in a metal contraption called a casting flask.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraption. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share