contrivance

American  

[kuhn-trahy-vuhns] / kənˈtraɪ vəns /

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.

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contrivance British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• noncontrivance noun
• precontrivance noun

Etymology

Origin of contrivance

First recorded in 1620–30; contrive + -ance

Example Sentences

And when the star is a legend on the level of Reiner, the contrivance can be even riskier.

From Salon

Most market meltdowns have been triggered by some unique new financial contrivance.

From Los Angeles Times

But while the revelation that brings the play to a painful climax has a faint whiff of contrivance about it, the angry confrontation that ensues between Nelson and Nick has a bruising, brutal power.

From The Wall Street Journal

But a script with this much contrivance only works if it’s delivered with snap and confidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet for all the contrivance, this match-up comes draped in the language of legacy.

From BBC

Related Words

• artifice
• gimmick
• ruse