as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
trying to concoct an explanation for how the lamp got broken by itself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of concoct
Prosecutors say Brendan Banfield concocted an elaborate scheme to kill his wife, Christine Banfield, and another man, Joseph Ryan, in their family home in February 2023.
—
Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
Before Bridgegate, there was Tollgate in 2011, when Baroni went behind the back of the executive director to conspire with Christie to concoct a phony and fantastically too high 50% toll hike plan, that Christie could knock back and be the hero.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
Both activities can be fairly ordinary hobbies—games of imagination not so different from crushing on a pop star or concocting stories about a film protagonist.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Magalhães testified that Banfield concocted an elaborate plan to create a fake profile for his wife on a fetish website, in an effort to proposition men to enter the home so Banfield could stage a fake home invasion and murder Christine.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concoct
Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
Before Bridgegate, there was Tollgate in 2011, when Baroni went behind the back of the executive director to conspire with Christie to concoct a phony and fantastically too high 50% toll hike plan, that Christie could knock back and be the hero.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
Both activities can be fairly ordinary hobbies—games of imagination not so different from crushing on a pop star or concocting stories about a film protagonist.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Magalhães testified that Banfield concocted an elaborate plan to create a fake profile for his wife on a fetish website, in an effort to proposition men to enter the home so Banfield could stage a fake home invasion and murder Christine.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concoct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concoct
Verb
-
The firm specializes in new construction projects, working closely with the architect and contractors to devise a cohesive, timeless design.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The models can also devise fake documents, like passports, Lestrange said.—
Ayana Archie,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Let’s rephrase that, if only because 100 years ago, nobody had remembered to invent the Hall of Fame yet.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Mariano’s - La Hacienda Ranch Famous for its high-quality beef fajitas, this restaurant is renowned for being the place where the frozen margarita machine was invented.—
Imelda García,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The heels were constructed from a lustrous satin material on the upper and featured a pointed toe design.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Bonds are used to fund brick-and-mortar projects, which include constructing, equipping, maintaining and furnishing district facilities.—
Kendrick Calfee
February 11,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Concoct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concoct. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
