1
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in invention
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
in that writer's hands, narrative contrivance can often deteriorate into pointless gimmickry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrivance
To gain her confidence, Arabella pretends to be Jewish (a hokey contrivance that Shakespeare would have approved of), and Indji shares the story of her banishment.
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 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
Some of the plot’s contrivances don’t really make sense, but Byeon and Kim have great chemistry, and the showrunners do a fine job of combining bubbly high school drama with cheery romantic fantasy.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 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
Some of the plot’s contrivances don’t really make sense, but Byeon and Kim have great chemistry, and the showrunners do a fine job of combining bubbly high school drama with cheery romantic fantasy.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
With a 30% discount right now, this is a neat gadget for anyone who loves to scrapbook, create photo books, or preserve treasured memories.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Consumers are no longer satisfied with connected home gadgets that operate in silos or require a patchwork of apps and hubs.—
Michael De Nil,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Today, the fashion industry and historians recognize this as the invention of the modern bra.—
Molly Peck,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
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For all its idealism and command of several languages, Kraftwerk recognized Atomic Age inventions had their own negatives.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article Starting a new theater company during this perilous time for arts funding takes guts, imagination and talent.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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Thanks to the creativity and collaboration of teams across WB Pictures and the entire company, our film about the power of imagination and building something bigger than ourselves sparked incredible reactions from audiences everywhere.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Since Web3 operates across borders with remote, permissionless innovation, companies must prioritize hiring talent who thrive in decentralized environments and are proficient in blockchain-native tools.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Trump's administration has framed the import duties as a tool to revitalize American manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign materials.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The approach raises questions about how companies should balance encouraging innovation with respecting diverse working styles and skills.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Success in both fields relies on quality and innovation.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Not some simple planks and nails contraption affixed to a low branch, mind you.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Back at the Dutton ranch, Jacob and Jack (Darren Man) are assembling some sort of contraption that could pass for a torture tool.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This global reach extends to events, talks, exhibitions, and portfolio reviews, fostering creativity and diversity in image-making.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2025
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The result is a space where art has been successfully imbedded into everyday life, a seamless integration where the public easily encounters creativity while artists profit from passing footfall.—
Nina-Sophia Miralles,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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