Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

contrive

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of contrive

1 to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
  • contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
Synonyms of contrive

concoct, construct, cook (up), devise, drum up, excogitate, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up)
Words Related to contrive

coin, design, hatch, produce

daydream, dream, fantasize

conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, picture, vision, visualize

ad-lib, extemporize, improvise
Phrases Synonymous with contrive

come up with
Near Antonyms of contrive

clone, copy, copycat, duplicate, imitate, mimic, reduplicate, replicate, reproduce
2 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 of contrive

collude, connive, conspire, intrigue, machinate, plot, put up, scheme
Words Related to contrive

counterplot

brew, concoct, cook (up), devise, hatch

engineer, jockey, maneuver, manipulate

design, frame, lay out, map, plan, shape
3 to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
  • contrived a way of planning the surprise party without their catching on to it
Synonyms of contrive

engineer, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, mastermind, negotiate, wangle
Words Related to contrive

arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out

angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme

connive

brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch

captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run

gerrymander
Near Antonyms of contrive

blow, bobble, botch, bungle, butcher, flub, fumble, gum (up), louse up, mangle, mess (up), mishandle, muff

Learn More about contrive

  1. See words that rhyme with contrive Dictionary: Definition of contrive Spanish Central: Translation of contrive Nglish: Translation of contrive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contrive for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up contrive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games