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
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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
Director Ellenstein had the aha moment earlier this decade of contriving a work about Eisenhower and the accomplished playwright and Orange County native, Richard Hellesen, took on the task of writing it.
—
Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
In one of the most deal-ridden and far too often contrived places on the globe, Steny was straightforward, smart, wise, direct, honest on the real odds about anything and everything, and blessed with a sense of humor that, if saintly in purpose, was devilishly clever in delivery.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
The language of manifesting your dreams into reality might sound nonsensical or contrived, but to JOP, his magical thinking became his saving grace.
—Andrea Flores
jan. 8, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The galleries, the murals, the breweries, the cafés and the live music venues contribute to a genuine community atmosphere — not an experience contrived from planning committee meetings or focus groups.
—Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
In one of the most deal-ridden and far too often contrived places on the globe, Steny was straightforward, smart, wise, direct, honest on the real odds about anything and everything, and blessed with a sense of humor that, if saintly in purpose, was devilishly clever in delivery.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
The language of manifesting your dreams into reality might sound nonsensical or contrived, but to JOP, his magical thinking became his saving grace.
—Andrea Flores
jan. 8, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The galleries, the murals, the breweries, the cafés and the live music venues contribute to a genuine community atmosphere — not an experience contrived from planning committee meetings or focus groups.
—Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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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
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The models can also devise fake documents, like passports, Lestrange said.—
Ayana Archie,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Many are in critical mineral companies as the White House plots a strategy to directly back mining companies to build a domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2026
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Fashion Deals If your suitcase is already plotting its next trip, these February clothing and shoe deals are worth a look.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The district decided to purchase fewer buses this year and opted not to give teachers a raise, negotiating a one-time bonus instead.—
Carley Lanich,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
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The English language distribution rights are still being negotiated.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Paul Simon, who was headed to retirement amid debilitating hearing loss, has concocted a helpful new stage monitor setup that has him back on the road.—
BRIAN MCCOLLUM,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Galen concocted medicines that seem strange to modern ears, such as treating ailments like inflammation with feces sprinkled with thyme to mask the odor.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Schlossnagle schemed in the offseason to ensure the reigning SEC champs would be deeper at all positions after a 44-14 finish.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
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As Cunningham’s ascent into superstardom continues, the defensive game plan against him is leaving opposing teams scrambling to scheme up ways to neutralize him.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors claim Sainz Salazar served as a key fentanyl producer for the Chapitos from about 2022 through 2025, helping manufacture millions of pills, arranging drug transactions under armed protection and operating labs that later became central to the group’s fentanyl production.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Mustique also has a small hotel, Cotton House, where 17 guest rooms and suites are arranged between a two-story building and a series of garden cottages.—
Flora Stubbs,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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During his 156-day trial, prosecutors accused him of conspiring with six former Apple Daily staffers, two activists and others to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockades or engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China.—
Kanis Leung,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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His piece of genius separated the sides entering the 84th minute but during a chaotic finale, the hosts conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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