contrives; contrived; contriving
1
: to form or think of (a plan, method, etc.)
The prisoners contrived a way to escape.
2
: to form or make (something) in a skillful or clever way
Native Americans contrived [=designed] weapons out of stone, wood, and bone.
3
: to make (something) happen in a clever way or with difficulty
He contrived a meeting with the president.
—often followed by to + verbShe contrived [=managed] to make it to the airport in time.
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/contrive. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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