1
as in to devise
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
Trump went on social media and essentially accused Wallace of contriving the whole noose narrative.
—
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Leslie contrives to get Eva the job of personal assistant to the busy psychiatrist early on by, well, running the previous assistant off the road in a motorcycle chase.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Their approach is casual yet considered, charming without being contrived.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
But our associates, who are assigned to each show, adapt the teaching of the illusions to the needs of the performers, because illusions have to feel natural to not appear contrived.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Leslie contrives to get Eva the job of personal assistant to the busy psychiatrist early on by, well, running the previous assistant off the road in a motorcycle chase.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Their approach is casual yet considered, charming without being contrived.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
But our associates, who are assigned to each show, adapt the teaching of the illusions to the needs of the performers, because illusions have to feel natural to not appear contrived.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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Directors: Scout Purdy & Doug Purdy After a series of revelations, 15-year-old Joe devises a plan to cure her teen angst: a month-long pilgrimage filled with communication issues, terrible survival skills, and zero Wi-Fi—AKA a summer hiking trip with her father.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
22 May 2025
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Cabinet secretaries were sidelined, and staff members devised elaborate strategies to avoid placing him in situations that might expose his decline.—
Doug Friednash,
Denver Post,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Artillery missions had been plotted the night before.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2025
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The filmmaker puts aside the self-reflexive storytelling that has marked much of his work since he was first arrested in 2010, delivering a straightforward narrative that’s plotted like a good thriller but builds into a stark condemnation of abusive power.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Verb
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The manufacturing giant had resumed negotiating with the IAM union on May 22.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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But as state lawmakers negotiate the first state operating budget since the prison was shuttered, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is proposing that Stateville receive nearly as much funding as when the maximum security section of the facility was open.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Desperate to revive his reputation, Zach gains the trust of nerdy outcast Laney (Cook) to concoct a vain scheme to turn her into the next prom queen.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
30 May 2025
-
Toronto worked back from an early deficit but couldn’t concoct another comeback win, falling to 22-24 on the season.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Together, Henry and Lily navigate suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by Henry’s estranged father.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 May 2025
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Alleged Years-Long Drugging and Theft Scheme Led to Killing of Super Bowl Reporter Adan Manzano On April 1, ABC News reported that a law enforcement source alleged that the pair had schemed via text message for years to drug and rob victims in multiple jurisdictions.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
6 May 2025
Verb
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At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Verb
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In 1948, photography and instant gratification converged when Edwin H. Land invented the first Polaroid camera.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
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The purpose of life wasn’t invented by the individual — it was discovered in scripture.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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The men were interrogated for three weeks on suspicions that included conspiring to endanger lives on the roads; then they were put under house arrest, but finally released without charges, apparently after the withdrawal.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
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The couple were convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans as well as tax evasion and sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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