Synonyms of contrive

contrive

verb

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

• devise
• concoct
• invent
• construct
• design
• manufacture
• excogitate
• produce
• drum up
• trump up
• fabricate
• conceive
• hatch
• envision
• make up
• improvise
• visualize
• dream
• envisage
• come up with
• imagine
• fantasize
• think (up)
• daydream
• cook (up)
• vamp (up)
• extemporize
• vision
• coin
• ad-lib
• picture

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imitate
• replicate
• reproduce
• mimic
• duplicate
• copy
• clone
• reduplicate
• copycat

• imitate
• replicate
• reproduce
• mimic
• duplicate
• copy
• clone
• reduplicate
• copycat

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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

• plot
• scheme
• conspire
• connive
• collude
• plan
• machinate
• devise
• intrigue
• concoct
• engineer
• manipulate
• compass
• counterplot
• hatch
• design
• maneuver
• put up
• brew
• jockey
• shape
• map
• cook (up)
• frame
• lay out

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• negotiate
• arrange
• manipulate
• engineer
• plot
• wangle
• manage
• maneuver
• machinate
• conclude
• finagle
• frame
• mastermind
• finesse
• concoct
• scheme
• connive
• conduct
• intrigue
• concert
• direct
• hammer out
• work out
• hatch
• handle
• compass
• brew
• captain
• command
• gerrymander
• run
• quarterback
• angle (for)
• cook (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• botch
• bungle
• blow
• mangle
• butcher
• mishandle
• fumble
• gum (up)
• muff
• mess (up)
• flub
• louse up
• bobble

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• botch
• bungle
• blow
• mangle
• butcher
• mishandle
• fumble
• gum (up)
• muff
• mess (up)
• flub
• louse up
• bobble

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