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
Bryant didn’t like anything phony, anything contrived, anything that interfered with the serious business of winning a championship.
—
Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
The whole city, this vast, thirsty project sprouting from the desert, is contrived—and no less beautiful for it.
—Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
The rafters are 19th century mine timbers, the atmosphere is old-time ski club (authentic, not contrived), and the walls are covered in local ski lore.
—Cassidy Randall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
As humans we are wired for connection, but thanks to our increasingly online world, the lines between what’s real and what’s contrived continue to be blurred.
—Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
The whole city, this vast, thirsty project sprouting from the desert, is contrived—and no less beautiful for it.
—Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
The rafters are 19th century mine timbers, the atmosphere is old-time ski club (authentic, not contrived), and the walls are covered in local ski lore.
—Cassidy Randall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
As humans we are wired for connection, but thanks to our increasingly online world, the lines between what’s real and what’s contrived continue to be blurred.
—Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contrive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive
Verb
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To make this work, Dykstra devised a way to combine a film camera with a computer, enabling each ship-miniature movement to be repeated precisely over multiple runs, at different angles: a system known as motion control.—
Benny Har-Even,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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With the annual awards show slated to stream live on Hulu for the first time, alongside its regular broadcast on ABC, Disney devised packages that took sponsorships well beyond the program itself.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The arrests come about a week after authorities charged an Indiana teen with plotting a Valentine’s Day massacre at their high school.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
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Bolsonaro, the former far-right leader, is accused of plotting a coup to stay in power, inciting violence and hatching a plan to poison the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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During the meeting, Trump berated Zelensky, accusing him of insufficient gratitude for U.S. military support and pressuring him to negotiate a peace deal with Russia under terms dictated by the Trump administration.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
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Merz won’t take over as chancellor until after his conservative party has negotiated the formation of a new government with the social democrats—a process that could take weeks if not months.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Matthew Rankin, a Canadian historian and prankster, has concocted a starkly enchanting Winnipeg where Farsi is the main language of storefronts, guided tours and everyday grievances, like the woman who gripes about sharing a bus with a live turkey.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
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Taking this idea and combining it with an attention to convenience and versatility while cooking, Heinz concocted three new products ready to be devoured.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The company schemed to pay over $1 billion in bribes to Malaysian and Emirati government officials to gain lucrative contracts.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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Why weren’t Chrishell and Gabby scheming with Carolyn and Bob H. (R.I.P.)??—
Ana Osorno,
Them,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Frame a few new photos and arrange them with meaningful keepsakes on your shelves.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2025
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This cosmic phenomenon inspired the couple to include astrological motifs throughout their wedding plans, from personalized Zodiac plates for every guest to arranging the tables to represent the sun with surrounding planets in orbit.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Inspired by the Panama diary invented in 1908, the notebook is lightweight, portable and the ideal travel companion.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
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The one-legged 3 was not invented this season—Curry actually made one in a game all the way back in 2013.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Editor’s picks Cooper denies conspiring with Peterson and tried to get the lawsuit dismissed on the grounds that she was shielded as a journalist.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2025
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But buried underneath? 175 WWII bombs 2 defendants also conspired to release a python into victim's home Authorities also said Glosser and Kinsey had plotted other tactics meant to target the adult victim.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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