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
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Why Trust Southern Living Amanda Ogle is a writer for Southern Living who writes product reviews across a range of categories, including travel gear, kitchen gadgets, organization, crafting, home decor, furniture, and fashion.—
Amanda Ogle,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2025
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The Restore 3 is a sunrise alarm and a sound machine all rolled into one gadget.—
Louryn Strampe,
WIRED,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Tharp, setting herself the challenge of Beethoven’s mammoth and adventurous Diabelli Variations, responds with her own ideas about theme and variation, employing her formidable powers of invention and wit.—
Vince Aletti,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
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This Fayette, Alabama, invention first made its debut in 1928 and quickly became a staple on breakfast tables and in beloved Southern desserts like pecan pie.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Regret is double suffering, while worry about the future is a misuse of imagination.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
However, the series never shows Proteus in action, leaving much of its menace to the imagination.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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While misinformation and distortion of facts become tools of manipulation, documentary filmmaking reminds us of the power of truth.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
9 Mar. 2025
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What to watch: Scores of health tech companies now advertise tools, often driven by artificial intelligence, aimed at cutting down provider workload by automating administrative tasks.—
Maya Goldman,
Axios,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Recommendations: Finding a Sustainable Balance A sustainable solution must reconcile technological innovation with creators' economic interests.—
Virginie Berger,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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The future of trucking safety lies in finding this delicate balance between technological innovation and personal privacy rights.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In the center of the contraption, a PVC pipe hung down and curled under itself like a great proboscis.—
Matthew Sherrill,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
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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
Noun
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This will likely affect your love life, children or fertility matters or creativity and hobbies.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
16 Mar. 2025
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Engaging in a passion outside of work offers opportunities for creativity, relaxation and personal fulfillment.—
Judy E Davidson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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