gimmick
20 synonyms 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.
gizmo
whatchamacallit
gismo
doodad
widget
gubbins
whatsis
doohickey
doojigger
thingummy
thingmabob
thingmajig
thingamabob
thingumabob
thingamajig
thingumajig
whatchamacallum
How to use gimmick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
marketing gimmick
just a gimmick
gimmick to attract attention
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.
