1. clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive someone
Usage: plural of artifice
2. skillful or artful contrivances or constructions
Usage: plural of artifice; formal

Examples

• The magician’s performance was full of clever artifices that amazed the audience.
• Politicians often resort to various artifices to avoid answering difficult questions.
• The detective saw through the suspect’s artifices and uncovered the truth.
• Ancient builders used ingenious artifices to construct massive stone monuments.
• Her speech was free of artifices and spoke directly to the heart of the matter.
• The novel’s plot relies too heavily on convenient artifices rather than natural character development.