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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 by up ):

    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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Derived Forms

  • ˈgimmicky, adjective
  • ˈgimmickry, noun
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Other Words From

  • gimmick·er noun
  • gimmick·y adjective
  • un·gimmick·y adjective
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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

The best magic is not about a clever gimmick but telling a really good story.

I’m not in favor of a regional transportation plan that’s filled with gimmicks and somehow manages to maintain the status quo.

Once considered a collegiate gimmick that hid some quarterback weaknesses, the offense has recently produced a bevy of NFL starters, including Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff.

Part of the selling point, beyond just the gimmick of the hologram’s next-level verisimilitude, is its interactivity.

The messaging company has implemented a couple of internal automated games and gimmicks, like a bot that reminds people twice a day to check in on a game called Animal Crossing, fostering connections between employees.

From Fortune

Critics praised his crooning, even if they regarded it little more than a gimmick.

All joking aside, what was once considered an expensive gimmick is on the verge of going mainstream.

The old showbiz saying is “you gotta have a gimmick,” and Minaj has wisely gotten a few.

But, beyond all that, she has made her butt her biggest gimmick.

Daylyt downplayed the gimmick, later claiming on Twitter that it was his way of saying he was finished with battle rap.

It's the gimmick that makes rich Spaniards fuel and hide submarines in the Caribbean—you know that for a fact yourself.

Everyone had a little sideline, a gimmick, to put one over on whoever was gullible enough to swallow it.

I nodded, looking for the gimmick that made this a paying proposition for good old Tangiers Mutual.

You're going to keep up with me, drink for drink, until I can eyeprint that gimmick of yours—or else I stop drinking.

This gimmick makes it possible for citizens to raise and decide issues directly.

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gimme capgimmickry