1
as in to devise
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 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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
The arguments in favor of this working seem rather contrived.
—
Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 May 2025
Hayek’s laissez-faire styling wasn’t contrived, either.
—Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
The most enticing conspiracy theories often have a dash of truth in them, even if that truth is completely unrelated to the conspiracy being contrived.
—Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
His fascination with the still image, and with the way digital technology mediates desire, can translate into garments of surreal potency, contrived to go viral.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 May 2025
Hayek’s laissez-faire styling wasn’t contrived, either.
—Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
The most enticing conspiracy theories often have a dash of truth in them, even if that truth is completely unrelated to the conspiracy being contrived.
—Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
His fascination with the still image, and with the way digital technology mediates desire, can translate into garments of surreal potency, contrived to go viral.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
-
Alison devises a plan to escape her creative paralysis.—
Charlie Tyson,
New Yorker,
4 June 2025
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Monthly sessions focus on topics such as devising a business strategy and developing leadership skills.—
James Simms,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Crucially, what matters—the criteria for selection, on which continued evolution depends—also changes, plotting a wholly novel course.—
Philip Ball,
Wired News,
8 June 2025
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In 2022, a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan killed bin Laden's successor, Ayman al-Zawahri, who also helped plot 9/11.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
Verb
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The deal was negotiated by VP of Sales and Acquisitions Alex Peters on behalf of Brainstorm and by Christian Sosa of Roosevelt Film Lab.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 June 2025
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Here’s the thing, no employee should be left to negotiate basic dignity on their own.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
6 June 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
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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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There’s going to be a queen in there trying to get the show director job, who will lie and scheme.—
Joey Nolfi Updated,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
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Of course, [opponents] are going to do their best to scheme it up.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Verb
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The park hosts various stargazing events, and larger groups can arrange hour-long astronomy programs (pending staff availability).—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
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Fun fact: Cohen arranged the casting contract for his former Goonies costar Ke Huy Quan for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).—
Sarah Weldon,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Wall Street occasionally invents merry-go-rounds that work for a while but lack obvious exit strategies.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
12 June 2025
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It’s been said that Brian invented the state of California, the state of mind.—
August Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Daybell, 51, was found guilty on Thursday of conspiring to kill Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece, in October 2019, according to The Associated Press, as well as local outlets ABC 15 and NBC 12.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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In his motion, Brindley accused the U.S. Attorney’s Office of knowingly conspiring to use information protected by attorney-client privilege, including information procured from one of Kelly’s cellmates.—
Christie D’Zurilla,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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