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
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
This time, specific references were stripped away, leaving only a distillation of the dark rage evoked by metal and punk, equal parts elemental and contrived.
—Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrive
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
This time, specific references were stripped away, leaving only a distillation of the dark rage evoked by metal and punk, equal parts elemental and contrived.
—Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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Their philosophy from the start was to devise a scheme that could help save Jokic’s legs for playoff basketball.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The third-year wing said he’s been working closely with Brown to devise methods of vexing Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers’ most dangerous offensive threat.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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He is occasionally rumored to plot a comeback, or a new wrestling venture with Saudi backing.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Authorities say the teen carefully plotted the shooting at his Barrow County high school, including allegedly leaving a notebook with handwritten instructions detailing the steps to prepare for the violence and a diagram of his classroom.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Whether the teams ultimately relocate or negotiate new arrangements to stay, the 2026 World Cup offers a unique moment to experience this venue in a completely different context.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
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Vance had been slated to travel alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to lead a US delegation to negotiate with Iranian officials.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Investigators believe Simko met one of the suspects at a cannabis festival in Ann Arbor, where the suspects reportedly concocted a plan to set up a fake business deal and steal what officials said was upwards of 50 pounds of marijuana.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Composer Paul has concocted a pastiche of songs forever on the edge of our memories if not our tongues.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can scheme up mix-and-match looks for the pair to work in concert together in a variety of different zone coverages.—
Mike Kaye
April 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The show gestures at the classic targets of old-timey sexism, small-mindedness, and nativism—much of it embodied by Gasteyer’s scheming character—but only in the safest possible ways.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
According to court documents, transport for the embryo is being arranged for early May.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Jones also irritated House leaders by ignoring a plan to continue using Georgia's voting machines for one more year until replacements can be arranged, creating the possibility of a dicey election-season special session.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Lewis and Clark didn’t invent or even inspire this genre by themselves.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Jobs certainly didn’t invent MP3 players or internet-capable mobile phones.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The correctional officer, Jesus Reyes, was charged with conspiring to sell drugs, possessing drugs for sale and transporting drugs across county lines.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
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In November 2022, Northington conspired with two other Baltimore men — Devin Grimes, 27, and John Hyman, 21 — to commit armed robberies at at least one armed carjacking, according to court documents.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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