contrivance

noun

con·​triv·​ance kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s How to pronounce contrivance (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Often this involves teasing out the emotional possibilities of game-design contrivances. Gabriel Winslow-Yost, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrivance 

Word History

Etymology

contrive + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrivance was circa 1628

Dictionary Entries Near contrivance

Cite this Entry

“Contrivance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrivance. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

contrivance

noun
con·​triv·​ance kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s How to pronounce contrivance (audio)
: something (as a scheme or mechanical device) produced with skill and cleverness

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