gimmick

noun

ˈgi-mik How to pronounce gimmick (audio)
Definition of gimmicknext
1
as in ruse
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in gadget
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 hitch
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

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 gimmick Last year’s inaugural boxing match with MVP was headlines by Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, a gimmick that delivered what Netflix said was 108 million viewers. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025 One large wild card, however, is when — and how — the Senate parliamentarian rules on whether Republicans can use the current policy baseline, the budgetary gimmick that leaders are hoping to utilize to make the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent. — Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025 The very premise of the production is a gimmick, a way to let an actor show off and dazzle the audience with some tricks. — Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 Having a positive impact on society is not a quick gimmick for charity days or to look good in a press release; working in this way can also drive financial performance and keep your workforce happy in the long term. — David Morel, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
  1. ruse
  2. gadget
  3. hitch
  4. scheme
  5. tool
  6. risk
  7. trick
  8. pitfall
Noun
  • Frank This character doing all the heavy lifting to keep Rick’s ruse afloat and Sam Rockwell doing all the heavy lifting to keep this plot interesting: Thank you for your service, gentlemen.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This is, of course, a ruse to put Rick in the same room with Jim, who, according to his mother on her deathbed, killed his do-gooder dad.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • Originally produced by American retailer ThinkGeek, the gadget is now a rare and sought-after piece among fans of the franchise.
    — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
  • For instance, when deciding on a major purchase like a new gadget, an impulsive thinker might buy on impulse based on excitement, while a reflective thinker would spend time researching, comparing models and weighing pros and cons before making a decision.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of gadget
Noun
  • The night’s crossing of the Athina went off without a hitch, and Captain Hallax arrived home the next morning.
    — Silvana Paternostro Nathalia Angarita, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Despite these concerns, the plan went off without a hitch.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • Detectives arrested a man accused in a lottery ticket stealing scheme that netted him and a partner thousands of dollars in winnings, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The scheme is further complicated because Tom Buchanan is cheating on Daisy.
    — Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • The website offers screening and assessment tools, informational articles, self-help guides and a guide to providers in Kane County.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Clinics, meanwhile, grapple with strict 340B compliance requirements—often without adequate staff or tools to manage efficiently.
    — Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of tool
Noun
  • The country could be at risk of losing its elimination status if an outbreak continued for more than one year.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Key challenges, like the risk of exacerbating inequality if access is limited to the rich and the significant energy demands, will need to be addressed.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of risk
Noun
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Other styling tricks included whimsical touches on simplified outfits such as oversized scarves, bag charms, layered belts, fur accessories and extravagant strands of pearls.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of trick
Noun
  • There are two main pitfalls that Europe needs to avoid.
    — Anatol Lieven, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Despite preparation and qualifications, the interview process can become an obstacle course riddled with pitfalls that trip up even the most competent professionals.
    — Michael Guan, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of pitfall

Browse Nearby Words

gimmes
gimmick
gimmicked (up)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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