1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
that free dinner is just a sales gimmick to get you to listen to their sales pitch
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2
as in gadget
an interesting and often novel device with a practical use
a car equipped with a parking spot locator and other neat gimmicks
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3
as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
the deal sounds too good to be true, so make sure there aren't any gimmicks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gimmick
Skip the gimmicks and focus on creating value consistently.
—
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
These films are often only as good as their gimmicks, which include — in at least a few cases — clowns.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025
While fashion brands are no strangers to chasing trends, some may still see generative AI as a futuristic gimmick rather than a bottom-line tool.
—Zehra Soysal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Yes, the new Trump budget has bright spots, but those gains are neutralized by massive defense spending, costly immigration priorities and persistent gimmicks.
—Veronique De Rugy, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
These films are often only as good as their gimmicks, which include — in at least a few cases — clowns.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025
While fashion brands are no strangers to chasing trends, some may still see generative AI as a futuristic gimmick rather than a bottom-line tool.
—Zehra Soysal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Yes, the new Trump budget has bright spots, but those gains are neutralized by massive defense spending, costly immigration priorities and persistent gimmicks.
—Veronique De Rugy, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gimmick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gimmick
Noun
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Important claims, like whether or not the Los Angeles wildfires were merely a ruse to hide pedophiles.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
18 May 2025
-
But a Southern California man and his co-conspirators devised an elaborate ruse — involving a boatload of fake orders and manipulation of the company’s software — that netted them millions, prosecutors say.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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The deal brings OpenAI into the world of hardware, and underscores the growing sense in Silicon Valley that smart AI assistants could upend the gadget world.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
22 May 2025
-
In addition to air conditioners, other gadgets can efficiently keep a home cool.—
Khanh T.L. Tran,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The Foundation series Cybertruck includes Full Self Driving (an $8,000 value) and a trailer hitch.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
The flight continues without a hitch, and Fielder attempts to open the lines of communication with his copilot, Aaron, by repeatedly asking him if everything is okay.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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The scheme was investigated by several federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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That includes knowing the scheme in the run game, being violent at the point of attack.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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An early morning fire at Arlington Garden in Pasadena on May 21 destroyed the garden’s storage shed and all the tools, event furniture and other equipment stored inside, as well as the electricity that powered its extensive drip irrigation system.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
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Opponents argue that non-lethal tools like bear-proof trash cans, fencing, and hazing should be used instead.—
Maria Davidson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
The greatest storm coverage is expected from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is a moderate risk of life-threatening rip currents at all area beaches.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Hygiene concerns Overcrowded clinics may neglect sterilization protocols, increasing the risk of infection and delayed healing.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2025
Noun
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The secret trick of reconciliation is that Congress gets a chance to add tweaks to the budget — to reconcile it — twice every federal fiscal year.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
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These landscaping and styling tricks can turn the area around your backyard pond into an idyllic staycation spot.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2025
Noun
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However, there are certain pitfalls to avoid in order to use and scale technology in the right manner: • Simulation must not be implemented in silos; rather, it should be tightly integrated with design, testing and manufacturing.—
Ajay Parihar,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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The Red Sox bullpen held serve and was able to avoid some potentially dangerous pitfalls.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gimmick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gimmick. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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