gimmick
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for gimmick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gimmick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Usually slightly negative — calling something a gimmick suggests it's shallow or a sales trick.
Etymology
Origin unclear — possibly linked to "magic" or to "gimme", first recorded in early-20th-century American carnival and stage-magic slang.
Full origin of gimmick →Frequently asked questions
What does “gimmick” mean?
The word “gimmick” means a clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value. In plain terms, a flashy trick or feature meant to grab attention, often implying it's more style than substance.
How do you pronounce “gimmick”?
“Gimmick” is pronounced GIHM-ihk (/ˈɡɪm.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “gimmick” in a sentence?
Here is “gimmick” used in a sentence: “The talking packaging was just a gimmick to boost sales.”
What part of speech is “gimmick”?
Depending on how it is used, “gimmick” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gimmick” come from?
The word “gimmick” dates back to around 1900. Origin unclear — possibly linked to "magic" or to "gimme", first recorded in early-20th-century American carnival and stage-magic slang.
Is “gimmick” a common word?
“Gimmick” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gimmick” have?
“Gimmick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value.