contrivance

[ kuhn-trahy-vuhns ]

noun

1. something contrived; contrived; a device, especially a mechanical one.
2. the act or manner of contriving; the faculty or power of contriving.
3. a plan or scheme; expedient.

contrivance

/ kənˈtraɪvəns /

noun

1. something contrived, esp an ingenious device; contraption
2. the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability
3. an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc
4. an elaborate or deceitful plan or expedient; stratagem

Other Words From

• noncon·trivance noun
• precon·trivance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrivance¹

First recorded in 1620–30; contrive + -ance

Example Sentences

"The whole thing hangs on contrivance and familiarity, not characters, so the fights don’t seem to matter much."

From BBC

“We Live in Time” is also chock-full of contrivances.

From Salon

There is one slight contrivance later in the film to set up its final act, but it's arguably a necessary one to set the stage for the film's dramatic conclusion.

From BBC

The contrivances of the situation are inescapable, despite the scrupulous honesty of the performers in director Michael Herwitz’s charged production.

From Los Angeles Times

His casual “Say hey” response to most any greeting was viewed by some as spontaneous and natural, by others as a contrivance for someone who couldn’t recall names.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artifice
• gimmick
• ruse