CONTRIVES Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

contrives

verb

present tense third-person singular of contrive

as in devises

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

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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

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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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of contrives The team of graphic designers behind Meow Wolf even contrives mini comics based on these realms so readers can get a pulse of how alive these worlds are. —

Malik Peay, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrives

Verb

As the doppelganger charms the internet and devises a nefarious plot to replace mankind with brainrot, Shiori must partner with other online outcasts to stop her digital counterpart and reclaim her life in the real world.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
In the past, Cooper — who seems to have finally reconciled with his wife, Barb (Frances Turner) — devises a plan to stop the ongoing wars over power with Congresswoman Welch to get the cold fusion diode into the hands of the President of the United States (played by series newcomer Clancy Brown).

— Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026