contrivance
noun
con·triv·ance
kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s 
1
a
: a thing contrived
especially
: a mechanical device
modern contrivances to cook food faster
b
: an artificial arrangement or development
Mistaken identity is used as a plot contrivance in the story.
2
: the act or faculty of contriving : the state of being contrived
Synonyms
Examples of contrivance in a Sentence
The story is filled with plot contrivances that do not fit the ending.
He told the story honestly and without contrivance.
a contrivance to get out of doing the work
He convinced her to go without using contrivance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Without contrivance or overdramatization, Kapadia allows these characters’ stories to trickle into our consciousness.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Instead, there’s an eventual pileup of scheming contrivances that require us to believe a character painted all along as sweetly uncomplicated was really harboring the deviousness of a criminal mastermind.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
Two things keep this contrivance held together in tenuous balance: a clear dramatic framework and Coppola’s sheer strength of feeling.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2024
The moment when Alcala nearly attacks Sheryl at her car, only to be saved by a last-second stage door opening is also likely a narrative contrivance.
—Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance 
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Instead, there’s an eventual pileup of scheming contrivances that require us to believe a character painted all along as sweetly uncomplicated was really harboring the deviousness of a criminal mastermind.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
Two things keep this contrivance held together in tenuous balance: a clear dramatic framework and Coppola’s sheer strength of feeling.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2024
The moment when Alcala nearly attacks Sheryl at her car, only to be saved by a last-second stage door opening is also likely a narrative contrivance.
—Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrivance
Dictionary Entries Near contrivance
Cite this Entry
“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrivance. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contrivance
noun
con·triv·ance
kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s
: something (as a scheme or mechanical device) produced with skill and cleverness
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