From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishartificear‧ti‧fice /ˈɑːtɪfɪs $ ˈɑːr-/ noun formal 1 [uncountable]PRETEND the use of clever tricks to deceive someone SYN cunning2 [countable]TRICK/DECEIVE a trick used to deceive someone
Examples from the Corpus
artifice• This is not wild, uncontrolled nature, but greenery as artifice and symbol.• Though he deceived the beholder into taking his artifice for reality, Zeuxis practised an idealist art.• What is now considered natural is the result of learned artifice.• However, there is no copying, no artifice.• Not that she seeks pedestals; there seems no artifice about her.• These works, in some way, seem timeless and devoid of artifice.• Marsha Hunt and Thulani Davis have no need for this kind of artifice.• The documentary highlights the difference between Warren's real life and the artifice of her stage shows.• Mrs Tucker was a marvelously candid lady, not given to artifice.Origin artifice (1600-1700) French Latin artificium, from artifex “skilled worker”, from ars ( → ART1) + facere “to make” 