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View synonyms for gimmick

gimmick

[gim-ik]

noun

  1. an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

    Synonyms: angle, ploy, ruse, plan, stunt
  2. a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal.

    An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.

  3. a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.

  4. Electronics Informal.,  a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.



verb (used with object)

  1. to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed byup ).

    to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.

verb (used without object)

  1. to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.

gimmick

/ ˈɡɪmɪk /

noun

  1. something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity

  2. any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive

  3. a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • gimmicker noun
  • gimmicky adjective
  • ungimmicky adjective
  • gimmickry noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gimmick1

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; origin uncertain
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gimmick1

C20: originally US slang, of unknown origin
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He immediately came under fire within Israel, with opposition leader Yair Lapid writing: "Today saw a weary and whining Israeli prime minister, in a speech overloaded with overused gimmicks"

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They see it for now at least as a "desperate gimmick" but do remain open to being persuaded it is a good idea.

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A gimmick perhaps but if it provides a marginal gain for one player it will have been deemed worth it.

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A government spokesperson dismissed the plans as a "gimmick", adding they were consulting on restricting migrants' access to welfare.

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The main purpose of his gimmick was not to commend the hard work of FBI agents and Utah State Police officers.

Read more on Salon

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gimme capgimmickry