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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

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

From BBC • Nov. 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

Every earth-digger and mechanical contrivance in the country had been mobilized to dig the colossal hole in which the nine giants were to be permanently imprisoned.

From "The BFG" by Roald Dahl