1
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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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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Recent Examples of contrives
Her early death, after an illness that the father initially contrives to ignore then notices just in time to capture her desperation in a fine sketch, leaves Mimí utterly disoriented, yearning only to achieve a level of self-control and detachment that will spare him their tumultuous struggle.
—
Tim Parks,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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
Tim Parks,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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
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Now saddled with the moral dilemma of keeping the money or turning it in, the trio devises a simple plan.
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Bright leads the cast of Off Campus as Hannah, a music student who devises a fake dating scheme with hockey star Garrett in order to catch the attention of her crush, Justin.
Verb
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While Burnham plots his next move, the UK government now enters a new period of uncertainty, potentially facing a sixth prime minister in seven years.
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An engineer plots a well’s falling output, fits a curve, and projects it forward.
Verb
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Canada negotiates lower drug prices for all its citizens under its universal health care system.
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The fundraising comes as SpaceX negotiates to pay razor-thin fees to the Wall Street firms, though banks are still likely to rake in about $500 million.
Verb
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Driver’s character concocts a way for the duo to start an environmental business together as Russians, largely the mafia, are involved in recalibrating a canal in New York City.
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The bleak tortures Ohm concocts for his characters are as vile as the Bilberry’s fetid jacuzzi.
Verb
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Marty, who was loosely based on real-life ping-pong legend Marty Reisman, schemes his way to competitions across the globe and hustles for pocket cash.
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Joy Randolph, follows a desperate gallery owner (Portman) who schemes to sell a dead man as art at Art Basel in Miami.
Verb
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And then someone arranges logistics and provides the weapon.
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Aria even has a musical director, who arranges performances and special events and compiles soundtracks for individual stays.
Verb
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An engineering prodigy, Harley has to get creative to survive her large family, and invents a number of gizmos and gadgets to help improve her chaotic household.
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Without it, the AI invents a new backdrop.
Verb
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Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game.
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Facial massage manipulates big muscles in the face, such as the masseters, temporalis and platysma, as well as fascia.
Cite this Entry
“Contrives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrives. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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