as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
built a contraption for automatically buttering toast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 contraption
Some are as simple as a memory foam or contoured pillow, others are quite elaborate contraptions that keep your neck and spine in a precise position.
—
Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
Each hat starts as a pile of fur swirled into a cone using a contraption akin to a cotton candy machine, Dunlap said.
—Maliya Ellis, Houston Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
After Bradley entered the kitchen, Fieri led the chefs to the Randomizer, a contraption that selects the elements chefs must use while cooking.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Fowler tried all sorts of techniques and contraptions—mouth tape, oral appliances, a special therapeutic water bottle, tough Turkish chewing gum.
—Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
Each hat starts as a pile of fur swirled into a cone using a contraption akin to a cotton candy machine, Dunlap said.
—Maliya Ellis, Houston Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
After Bradley entered the kitchen, Fieri led the chefs to the Randomizer, a contraption that selects the elements chefs must use while cooking.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Fowler tried all sorts of techniques and contraptions—mouth tape, oral appliances, a special therapeutic water bottle, tough Turkish chewing gum.
—Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraption
gadget
Noun
-
Best Travel Tech Deals Buying new travel tech doesn’t have to be expensive—Amazon has amazing deals on gadgets that are guaranteed to make your next trip easier.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
And Thomas could be a kickoff returner who plays sparingly as a gadget on offense.—
Kevin Fishbain,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraption. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
