1
as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plot
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
the mischievous boys were always contriving and trying to pull the prank that would be the talk of the school
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
contrived a way of planning the surprise party without their catching on to it
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
Characters take on lives of their own, making choices that feel authentic rather than contrived.
—
Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
But the confidence and craftsmanship invested in Crash are, ultimately, the problem, because the infuriatingly contrived screenplay and hushed seriousness conspire to produce a risible portrait of complex social issues reduced to glib plot points.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Is this explanation contrived and littered with potential plot points?
—Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
Its inner acolytes came across, by contrast, as uncannily contrived kooks.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
But the confidence and craftsmanship invested in Crash are, ultimately, the problem, because the infuriatingly contrived screenplay and hushed seriousness conspire to produce a risible portrait of complex social issues reduced to glib plot points.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Is this explanation contrived and littered with potential plot points?
—Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
Its inner acolytes came across, by contrast, as uncannily contrived kooks.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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Solving problems like the most efficient way to use an aircraft cargo hold, or helping devise the next generation of long-term storage batteries, is only part of the IonQ mission.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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President Trump's tariffs are upending retailer supply chains, forcing them to devise workarounds.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Mangione, accused of plotting and carrying out the murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, 2024, has garnered a following after the fact.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
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Those close to her say the focus has been less about plotting her next campaign and more about helping shape the Democratic Party's path forward.—
Nidia Cavazos,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The league’s roster rules are curated to maintain competitive parity, and include facets like salary caps, international slots and a hard limit on how many players can earn above the annual senior maximum salary (as negotiated with its players union in collective bargaining).—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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Juggling showings, negotiating offers, and hunting for your dream home within budget is an all-consuming task.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The book centers on Amber Patterson concocting a plan to get closer to the wealthy Daphne Parrish, whose lavish life Amber envies.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Apr. 2025
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The creator of the modern-day Tequila Sunrise, concocted and popularized in a Sausalito bar in the 1970s, has died.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The imperialists never stop scheming against China.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
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Everyone knows but Nicole, and for weeks, Leslie has been lying, scheming, and slinking around the fictional town of Fairmont in various wigs to maximize the impact of the eventual reveal.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But the large open kitchen that takes up most of the room is the same—with cooks’ stations encircling a central vent that’s dramatically cantilevered, like the funnel of a cruise ship—as is the seating, much of it arranged around a sweeping U-shaped counter.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
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As part of that investigation, ATF special agents arranged for the gun sale, which took place on Feb. 17, 2023, in the parking lot of the Walmart on Murphy Canyon Road in Serra Mesa.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The Chi Chi Rodriguez was invented by Cassandra Feather, at the Lion’s Share in San Diego.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
3 May 2025
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Be touched by playful design decisions that speak volumes about the dedication that goes into inventing products, such as a unique gourmet bubble tea shop and its intricate recipes.—
Laura Manske,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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All of which is conspiring to remake the Vegas day club experience.—
Rob Reed,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
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He was charged in two cases, with steroid distribution in one and conspiring with two officers to violate civil rights in another.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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