contrivance

Meaning

1. A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task.
2. A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
3. Something overly artful or artificial.

Synonyms

device

invention

plan

means

artifice

expedient

gadget

plot

trick

scheme

inventiveness

dodge

appliance

contraption

stratagem

apparatus

devisal

ruse

manoeuvre

subterfuge

ploy

gizmo

widget

fabrication

machine

resource

lash-up

instrument

convenience

gismo

deception

maneuver

mechanism

method

notion

order

quirk

raising

regime

ride

road map

ruff

set

shift

shrewd

sleight

storyline

structure

stunt

subtlety

Translations

Vorrichtung

Erfindung

dispositif

appareil

επινόηση

stratagème

invención

List

apparecchio

invention

congegno

engin

επινόημα

Trick

Plan

Pronounced as (IPA)

/kənˈtɹaɪ.vəns/

Etymology

From contrive + -ance.