1
as in gadgets
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards
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2
as in inventions
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
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Recent Examples of contrivances
In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances.
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Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2024
The first episode of Daryl Dixon Season 2 is so poorly written, with so many contrivances, plot holes and rookie mistakes, I am left with zero faith in the rest of the season.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
The characters are more thinly drawn, with shallow motivations in spite of the plot’s contrivances.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2024
The first episode of Daryl Dixon Season 2 is so poorly written, with so many contrivances, plot holes and rookie mistakes, I am left with zero faith in the rest of the season.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
Noun
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The endless array of wine gadgets and kitschy paraphernalia out there can be overwhelming, and frankly, not all of it is bound to be useful or appreciated.Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
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From gadgets that promise ease to those that add a touch of luxury, there’s no shortage of viral products that have everyone talking.Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Rather than seeing complex traits as entirely new inventions, this research suggests that evolution often recycles and repurposes existing genetic tools to build complexity on the foundation of simplicity.Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Each version is 10 times more powerful than its predecessor, unlike versions of other inventions with minimal upgrades.Kumar Parakala, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Simultaneously, innovations in data storage technology will require the development of new skills to administer, as well as innovative thinking in order to fully leverage their potential for accelerating progress.Bernard Marr, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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But this is changing, with accessibility to the right data and innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) paving the way for transformation.Premier Contributor, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near contrivances
Cite this Entry
“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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