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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contrive
All of his links to the real world are frayed or contrived.
—
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
In rendering the early days of this reconstruction, Pagels presents decisions concerning the Gospel story and Christian doctrine as contrived, if not conspiratorial.
—Jack Hanson, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Ajax contriving to finish second having led by nine points with five games to go.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 May 2025
But when Arthur is released unharmed, rumors fly that the whole thing was a plot contrived by the son to extort money from his father.
—Caroline Fraser
june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
In rendering the early days of this reconstruction, Pagels presents decisions concerning the Gospel story and Christian doctrine as contrived, if not conspiratorial.
—Jack Hanson, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Ajax contriving to finish second having led by nine points with five games to go.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 May 2025
But when Arthur is released unharmed, rumors fly that the whole thing was a plot contrived by the son to extort money from his father.
—Caroline Fraser
june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
-
The next step typically undertaken is to employ a make-or-break test when aiming to devise a generalizable model.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Use them to devise your own words of inspiration for life's bigger moments — and smaller ones too.—
Malaka Gharib,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
At a news conference Wednesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleged the two men plotted robberies over WhatsApp the day of the shooting and rode into the park on a moped at around 11:45 p.m., first targeting a 39-year-old woman sitting on a bench, grabbing her phone.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
6 Aug. 2025
-
The tycoon, who is used to ruthlessly controlling everything and everyone around him at any cost, is also secretly plotting a major decision on his daughter’s behalf.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Brokers and dealers working more like Reynier in the days of La Réserve would take small parcels from the secondary market or negotiate parcels directly with distilleries.—
Mark Littler,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
The new state law allows the companies to extract critical minerals from coal without having to negotiate amendments to existing leases.—
Jacob Orledge,
ProPublica,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The preview also shows West concocting his Sunday Service before delving down his own rabbit hole.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
13 Aug. 2025
-
However, when he is left near death due to a plot concocted by his former friend Mal, the two are thrown back into each other’s orbit, according to a synopsis of the book.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
However, the 2023 trial overseen by US District Judge James Donato revealed a pattern of scheming on Google's part to prevent the distribution of alternative app stores on Android phones.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
31 July 2025
-
Meanwhile, a woman named Violet (Sharp Objects’ Eliza Scanlen, all grown up) schemes her way into a job as one of England’s first female police officers.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
As a fixer, Miguel has arranged interviews with El Mayo’s inner circle.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Interested buyers, their representatives or brokers can arrange for special tours.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bud Billiken, the page’s fictional editor/mascot described as the guardian and protector of children, was invented by Abbott and the Defender’s executive editor, Lucius Harper.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
-
In the 1920s, a Soviet aviation group invented their own sort of superhero: Egor Poddevkin, the dashing pilot.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Between May 2023 and March 2024, investigators alleged that Tyson conspired to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Having vanquished the murderous alliance of her love interest Tyler (Hunter Doohan) and teacher Marilyn Thornhill (Christina Ricci), who had been conspiring against the school’s outcast denizens, she’s hailed as a hero.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share