contrivance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Sep. 26, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2024

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 • Oct. 11, 2024

As the prosecution described it, the case that faces a man who made his Hollywood name with the artificial drama of “The Apprentice” needs no contrivance.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2024

He specialized, though, in making new ones, sometimes assembling the popular one-cylinder McIntyre Imp cycle-cars, sometimes fabricating new vehicles entirely of his own contrivance.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown