1
as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
As a result, Liverpool no longer has to sweat so much for its victories or contrive to throw them away.
—
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Walt Disney himself could not have contrived a better (or faster) voice for one of his unlikely talking animals.
—Louis J. Esterhazy, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
In fact, America’s interests are undermined when aid is poorly contrived and not rigorously evaluated.
—Ted Yoho, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
Not all movies need to serve up profound insights into the human condition, but the ones that don’t should at least be entertaining, and Twohy’s particular strain of absurdism is not just contrived, but deeply unfunny.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Walt Disney himself could not have contrived a better (or faster) voice for one of his unlikely talking animals.
—Louis J. Esterhazy, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
In fact, America’s interests are undermined when aid is poorly contrived and not rigorously evaluated.
—Ted Yoho, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
Not all movies need to serve up profound insights into the human condition, but the ones that don’t should at least be entertaining, and Twohy’s particular strain of absurdism is not just contrived, but deeply unfunny.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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And with more time to game plan, coaching staffs will devise even more creative defensive coverages.—
Jay King,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
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In the minor-key variations, Lim devised some striking effects.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Read More Trump supporter accused of plotting to assassinate Trump at CA rally.—
Real-Time News team,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
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With space behind the defence strangled and the centre of the pitch condensed, plotting a course requires precise combination play.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The two players have been negotiating deals with Cincinnati to keep them with the organization for years to come.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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Leaders from both countries negotiated the ceasefire proposal announced on Tuesday.—
Axios,
Axios,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The principal action kicks off when Odell’s family discovers the curative properties of the unicorn and immediately concoct ways to monetize it.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
9 Mar. 2025
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The idea was to create a Manchurian Candidate, or puppet, though Morris doesn’t think the government came close to actually concocting one.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The majority alliance also schemed to have Sai Hughley play her immunity idol, therefore flushing it from the game.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA TODAY,
13 Mar. 2025
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The veteran tight end is one of the more athletic around the NFL and teams had to scheme against him.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Every morning, the monks gathered there, arranging themselves on the long stone benches, to discuss the matters of the day.—
Amanda Petrusich,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
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The institute once arranged for a Purim care package to be airdropped to a Jewish Coast Guard member 700 miles off the coast of Alaska, for example.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Read: How Bong Joon Ho invented the weird world of Parasite Not much of Mickey 17 makes sense at first blush.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2025
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Greg Norman at the 1996 Masters is why Dr. Heimlich invented his maneuver, no argument there.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In May 2023, a jury found Lori guilty of murdering Tylee and J.J. and of conspiring to murder Tammy, as well as of grand theft.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
8 Mar. 2025
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This is the second homicide the prison has reported this year, which includes the attack on Rude. Kennedy was accused of conspiring with Yates to kill Rude last month, CDCR said.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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