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

• appliance
• contraption
• gadget
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger
• widget

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

In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

contrive + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

contrivance

noun

con·​triv·​ance kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s 

: something (as a scheme or mechanical device) produced with skill and cleverness