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

Still, Hoffman’s demanding and radical view of documentary filmmaking and its inherent contrivances was artistically fruitful, not as a dictate to other filmmakers but a guiding light for his own work. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2024

This satiric sequel comes close to extending the joke too far, and the plot-starting death of Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) is a lazy-rude contrivance. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 26 July 2024

Yet Ford never falls into the trap of making that a plot contrivance. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 5 Aug. 2024

The plot depends on absurd contrivances — Shadowcat (Elliot Page) has time-travel powers? —Nick Romano, EW.com, 26 July 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