contrivances

noun

plural of contrivance
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

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 contrivances This can make for a frustrating watch, particularly when paired with some of the film’s more unlikely narrative contrivances. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford). — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 2026 The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 The script, also by Ahn, leans slightly too much on contrivances to nudge the relationship along. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026 In another area of the factory, machines installed four years earlier already lack certain even-more-modern contrivances. — Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025 To be fair, most romance plotting is built on contrivances and guaranteed happily ever afters. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrivances
  1. gadgets
  2. inventions
  3. tools
  4. innovations
Noun
  • David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Chris Thomas is all-in on AI gadgets.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Dutch hardware brand Fairphone has been remedying this for a few years now, with its line of gadgets that are designed to be repaired and used for years longer than usual.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of gadgets
Noun
  • Here are the 2026 best inventions earning special mentions for making the world better, smarter, and more fun.
    — Time, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • To determine what ideas, creations, content and new inventions are protectable and leverageable, clear policies and processes are not just helpful but necessary.
    — Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of inventions
Noun
  • These tools can support both dynamic and personalized pricing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those tools include apps that allow individuals to receive cash in between paychecks and are costing them hundreds of dollars each year in fees, according to a recent report.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of tools
Noun
  • Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patients across a variety of models ranging from classic sneakers to some of the sportswear company’s latest innovations.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This builds on the original cell-to-pack innovations seen in the BYD Blade Battery, which dramatically changed EV safety expectations.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of innovations

Browse Nearby Words

contrivance
contrivances
contrive
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Cite this Entry

“Contrivances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrivances. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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