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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
New quarterback Anthony Colandrea brings a degree of swag that is not contrived.
—
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
The entire deal felt cheesy and contrived.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
The ice bucket set-up for their initial confrontation felt contrived and Vida and Dodie’s dramatic actions involving their hotel room door felt out of character.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Prosecutors with the First Judicial District Attorney's Office claim Heskett contrived a story that he had been attacked by a man near a trail in the state park.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
The entire deal felt cheesy and contrived.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
The ice bucket set-up for their initial confrontation felt contrived and Vida and Dodie’s dramatic actions involving their hotel room door felt out of character.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Prosecutors with the First Judicial District Attorney's Office claim Heskett contrived a story that he had been attacked by a man near a trail in the state park.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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One of the easiest ways for an AI maker to guide an LLM in mental health chats is to use a system-wide prompt devised by the AI maker.
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National momentum for school screen Time limits LAUSD’s action to devise new limits in April spurred interest in the issue across the nation, said Jodi Carreon, who co-runs the California chapter of the Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project, a leader in the movement.
Verb
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This doesn’t mean elite parents sit around plotting class reproduction over brunch.
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He was invited by Malcolm X to stay in Harlem at the famous Hotel Theresa, where agents with ties to the FBI, CIA and the Mafia, plotted to assassinate him.
Verb
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But Iran denied making any new commitments on monitoring, with state media reporting that Tehran did not negotiate the nuclear issue during 18 hours of discussions.
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The Heat and other NBA teams have been allowed to negotiate with their own impending free agents since June 14 — the day after the last game of the NBA Finals.
Verb
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Simple, sleek, and sophisticated, this one-shoulder jumpsuit is the easiest way to concoct a chic yet comfortable outfit.
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In the one that opens the film, Forky (Tony Hale), the googly-eyed spork, marries a plastic knife called Karen Beverly (Melissa Villaseñor), a name so perfectly unmelodious that only a kid, or an adult exceptionally good at thinking like one, could have concocted it.
Verb
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The kids are savvy, scheming to avoid their parents.
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Nonetheless, the series evolves into an elaborate soap opera over its 39 episodes, with complex scheming characters opposing Utena, her relationship with Anthy serving as the lodestar that guides this tragedy towards its ambiguous conclusion.
Verb
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Angelina Guatemala, 64, counted on federal food stamps after retiring a couple of years ago in Ogden, Kansas, from assorted jobs arranging flowers, decorating cakes in shops, and preparing meals.
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How to Make Homemade Croutons In the Oven Preheat the oven to 450°F and arrange the rack in the middle position.
Verb
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Folks around the sport weren’t tearing their hair out trying to invent the perfect system to crown a champion.
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Back in 1930, 1930, Pat invented the Philly steak sandwich, combining ribeye with onions on a flat top on an Italian roll.
Verb
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Because Ashley's defamation claim failed, her claim that her siblings had conspired to defame her likewise failed.
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Many forces conspired to push up prices, but disinvestment in public universities wasn’t one of them.
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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