1
as in devises
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 plots
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 negotiates
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrives
Verb
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Foreign leaders are invited to visit the King on the advice and at the request of the British government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which also arranges overseas travel.—
Rachel Burchfield,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025 -
Pulling away from inside the prison's walls, the camera arranges the harsh structure against the lush rolling hills and glimmering water of the Hudson River Valley.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Imagine that a country invents AGI before any other country.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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Until someone invents smell-o-vision, fragrance ads must rely on inventive ways to woo consumers through sight and sound.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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But How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies manages that magic trick.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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Part of Historic Garden Week's uniqueness is that each club manages its individual tour, including selecting the homes and providing staffing on its tour date.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Contrives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrives. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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