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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
Trump went on social media and essentially accused Wallace of contriving the whole noose narrative.
—
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Leslie contrives to get Eva the job of personal assistant to the busy psychiatrist early on by, well, running the previous assistant off the road in a motorcycle chase.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Their approach is casual yet considered, charming without being contrived.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
But our associates, who are assigned to each show, adapt the teaching of the illusions to the needs of the performers, because illusions have to feel natural to not appear contrived.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Leslie contrives to get Eva the job of personal assistant to the busy psychiatrist early on by, well, running the previous assistant off the road in a motorcycle chase.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Their approach is casual yet considered, charming without being contrived.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
But our associates, who are assigned to each show, adapt the teaching of the illusions to the needs of the performers, because illusions have to feel natural to not appear contrived.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
-
Alison devises a plan to escape her creative paralysis.—
Charlie Tyson,
New Yorker,
4 June 2025
-
Monthly sessions focus on topics such as devising a business strategy and developing leadership skills.—
James Simms,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Crucially, what matters—the criteria for selection, on which continued evolution depends—also changes, plotting a wholly novel course.—
Philip Ball,
Wired News,
8 June 2025
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In 2022, a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan killed bin Laden's successor, Ayman al-Zawahri, who also helped plot 9/11.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
Verb
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For starters, unlike Trump’s single-minded focus on China during his first-term trade war, Trump 2.0 is sparring with every country on the planet with the ostensible goal of negotiating freer and fairer trade deals, from our closest democratic allies to the Chinese Communist Party.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
-
Here’s the thing, no employee should be left to negotiate basic dignity on their own.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Desperate to revive his reputation, Zach gains the trust of nerdy outcast Laney (Cook) to concoct a vain scheme to turn her into the next prom queen.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
30 May 2025
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Toronto worked back from an early deficit but couldn’t concoct another comeback win, falling to 22-24 on the season.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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There’s going to be a queen in there trying to get the show director job, who will lie and scheme.—
Joey Nolfi Updated,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
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Of course, [opponents] are going to do their best to scheme it up.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Verb
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At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Verb
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In 1948, photography and instant gratification converged when Edwin H. Land invented the first Polaroid camera.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
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The purpose of life wasn’t invented by the individual — it was discovered in scripture.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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The men were interrogated for three weeks on suspicions that included conspiring to endanger lives on the roads; then they were put under house arrest, but finally released without charges, apparently after the withdrawal.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
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The couple were convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans as well as tax evasion and sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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