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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 contrivance
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
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Instead, there’s an eventual pileup of scheming contrivances that require us to believe a character painted all along as sweetly uncomplicated was really harboring the deviousness of a criminal mastermind.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance 
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
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Instead, there’s an eventual pileup of scheming contrivances that require us to believe a character painted all along as sweetly uncomplicated was really harboring the deviousness of a criminal mastermind.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivance
Noun
-
American shoppers have become accustomed to nearly seamless delivery of online orders of affordable clothing and gadgets from China.—
Laura Gottesdiener and Stephen Eisenhammer,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Kat Merck Power Up Anywhere With the Best Travel Adapters When going abroad, the right plugs are essential to keeping your gadgets charged.—
Simon Hill,
WIRED,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This inspired the invention of the book, which displaced scrolls, revolutionized the production and storage of knowledge and led to the building of the world’s great libraries.—
Bruce Yandle,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
-
But controlling what's left of the other powers is a bit of a hassle, so the invention of nuclear weapons will be what gives you the last word on any negotiating table.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
And to me, what the president of the United States said very clearly there, was that is not within his realm of imagination.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Feb. 2025
-
Collection 15: Exhale felt like a figment of our imagination, within it Rogers was unwavering in his dedication to craftsmanship.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, China has condemned Western efforts to restrict access to AI tools.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Solidarity alone cannot provide the tools needed to fight it either.—
Kristin Deasy,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The key innovation is a hollow head, created through a 24-hour 3D printing process and a lattice structure inside the club.—
Edgar Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Each image stood as a testament to the artistry, innovation, and undeniable influence of Black beauty in the fashion and entertainment industries.—
Lyric Christian,
Essence,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This 2,000-tonne contraption would be lowered on a string of pipe weighing 2,000 tonnes, and grapple the wreck weighing 4,000 tonnes.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2025
-
His vision of Treehouse Town is brimming with imaginative contraptions, like crow’s nests for viewing, air trams, rope swings, trapdoors and sycamore slides.—
Megan Gambino,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Don’t run from your inspirations; embrace them, infuse them with your own creativity, embed them into your campaign and innovate.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2025
-
In possession, his creativity was stifled by changing systems and positions, and rarely having a settled role.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near contrivance
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivance. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share