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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrive
Even if the stakes feel contrived, just enjoy watching two of the game’s greats go at it with a little something on the line, no matter how fleeting the feeling may be.
—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
14 Apr. 2026
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
New quarterback Anthony Colandrea brings a degree of swag that is not contrived.
—
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
The entire deal felt cheesy and contrived.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
14 Apr. 2026
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
New quarterback Anthony Colandrea brings a degree of swag that is not contrived.
—
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
The entire deal felt cheesy and contrived.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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In 2011, Aguirre devised a technique to motivate his Real Zaragoza players ahead of a league match against Real Madrid.
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Scientists at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) have devised a technique to turn still-wet coffee grounds into high-grade biofuel in as little as 90 seconds.
Verb
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That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
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Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him.
Verb
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The market is oversaturated, and Riley is a genius for not only recognizing that but realizing that all of these new DJs are going to need lawyers to negotiate their contracts.
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The decision, which was widely anticipated, does not end the pact immediately, but rather kicks off a decade-long annual review process for the three countries to negotiate on the treaty until the USMCA officially expires in 2036.
Verb
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Brazil’s team, meanwhile, decamped to Orlando, Florida, where Laitano affixed players with sweat-collection patches and analyzed their fluid and electrolyte loss during workouts to concoct a hydration regimen for each person.
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In 1949, a Nebraska plumbing contractor named Steve Henson was working in Anchorage, Alaska and concocted a salad dressing out of buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs to help feed his crew on remote job sites.
Verb
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Prosecutors detailed at least four games in which the defendants are alleged to have schemed to have Beasley manipulate individual game stats for the benefit of gamblers.
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As to honest services wire fraud, it is based on Beasley allegedly scheming to defraud the Bucks and the NBA of his honest services.
Verb
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The floorplan is arranged with a clear separation between the living areas and private sleeping quarters of the home.
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Bunting arranged this way is appropriate for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of a platform or general decoration.
Verb
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This is why so much of the software industry has had to invent entire departments, customer success, customer experience, onboarding specialists, to paper over the gap between what was sold and what is actually experienced.
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The investment comes during the run-up to a milestone for the modern incarnation of the sport, which was invented centuries ago by Native Americans, with its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Verb
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The couple is accused of conspiring to murder Agarwal in an attempt to continue their romance.
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Guild was awarded monetary relief from each of the three allegedly conspiring employees in arbitrations.
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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