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What exactly is a contraption?
In the words of one Little Mermaid, “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty.” It would have been on-theme (though perhaps a bit clunky) for the aquatic princess to include in her siren song the word contraption. Synonymous with both gadget and gizmo, and widget too, in referring to mechanical and electronic devices, contraption is also one of a raft of terms people reach for when talking about various human-made bits and bobs, whether mechanical or not. (It's thought to have possibly been formed as a blend of contrivance, trap, and invention.) Want more thingamabob words? Try doohickey, thingamajig, dingus, or doodad.
Synonyms
Examples of contraption in a Sentence
Rob Reed, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Typically referred to as light therapy or LED face masks, these contraptions use light-emitting diodes to shine light at specific wavelengths onto the skin for various purposes like reducing wrinkles, firming the skin and controlling acne.
—Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
One of Herbert’s contraptions is a short rope with a handle on each end.
—Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Anecdotally, these contraptions also seem to limit or eliminate other common risks like bottom-dealing or cards flipping over while being dealt.
—Ben Dowsett, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near contraption
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraption. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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contraption
noun
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