1
as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
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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
Sure, much of the drama and plot feels contrived, but that’s true for many reality-show first seasons.
—
Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
The weird behaviors aren’t limited to contrived scenarios.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025
Everything about her character feels contrived, but especially the stammer, which the trailer misleadingly masks.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
First, it was hastily contrived and had weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
—Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
The weird behaviors aren’t limited to contrived scenarios.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025
Everything about her character feels contrived, but especially the stammer, which the trailer misleadingly masks.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
First, it was hastily contrived and had weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
—Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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The two quickly built a rapport, and Preservation began sending ‘Nandez beats, eventually inviting him to New Orleans to hang out while devising the project’s sonic core and predominant themes.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
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Prior to Leucippus, earlier scientist-philosophers had devised the concepts of elements as components of reality, and often looked to one component in particular as being the fundamental originator — or arche (ἀρχή) — of all the others.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, the game rights change is contingent on the larger ESPN-NFL deal passing Department of Justice review, which seems increasingly unlikely to come before the NFL plots its 2026 calendar.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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Well, on one hand, Annie was already plotting against Jake and Alex.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The deal was negotiated by Piantedosi and Manager of Acquisitions and Sales Rachel White on behalf of Vertical and by CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Obama Administration secretly negotiated the Iran nuclear deal without consulting GCC capitals.—
Firas Maksad,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Prosecutors described Sanaa Cunningham’s death as the result of a murder plot concocted by her father and stepmother, Germayne and Lisa Cunningham, following months of abuse and neglect.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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Swartz concocted this massive blockbuster trade idea, which sends Brown to his hometown team, the Atlanta Hawks.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Game prediction Kansas City’s defense is clicking, and Steve Spanguolo is known for scheming against dynamic offenses.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
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Jimmy Sharp had filed the suit in December 2022, saying Diederich schemed to put him on a career-killing blacklist after taking over Sharp’s father’s role as head of 20th TV’s head of production earlier that year.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sonar revealed ancient relics along the sea floor, including a series of colossal structures standing 20 feet high and arranged in rows, as well as several anchors and amphora.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
24 Sep. 2025
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But Bradley’s not super bothered, because her informant has messaged her and arranged a meeting in Central Park.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Did Sir Hans Sloane really invent chocolate milk?—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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Not to mention it's said to be the birthplace of the tequila sunrise, invented by bartender Gene Sulit in the 1930s.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After a lifetime of abuse from his master, Riff Raff conspires to start a coup with Magenta, his sister.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
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Deputies Alex Caminero, 38, and James Gregory Gardner, 52, conspired with each other to sneak about six grams of fentanyl into the 5501 College Road facility, the sheriff’s office said.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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