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 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 Even those unfamiliar with the story are likely to scoff at the new plot contrivances. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 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
  • Here is what these gadgets claim to do and what gastroenterologists say about trusting the results.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But this year’s keynote will be about more than just new gadgets.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of gadgets
Noun
  • Sure, high-minded series about radical inventions and space exploration fit the brand of a sleek, cool, tech company shilling prestige TV.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So many inventions and technology — the IV, the life-saving work, not getting lost in your car, research in biotechnology and water.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of inventions
Noun
  • The recent moves have been compared to tools the Federal Reserve has used in the past to provide liquidity to debt markets and to hold rates in check.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Document tools support multi-document chats, translation, presentation creation, and PDF interactions.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of tools
Noun
  • And like most other innovations in the brand’s assortment, the formula is buildable, designed to be layered from day to night.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Among the various green commitments and innovations of note, all of Explora’s ships are RINA Dolphin-certified for their low-level of underwater noise emissions, which helps preserve marine life.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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