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Definitions

contrive

[kuhn-trahyv] / kənˈtraɪv /
VERB
invent, design
Synonyms
STRONGEST
concoct devise dream up fabricate improvise manipulate
STRONG
construct create engineer fashion forge form formulate frame handle hatch make manufacture move plan plot project rig scheme vamp wangle
WEAK
come up with cook up make up throw together trump up whip up
Antonyms
STRONG
break destroy discourage dissuade forget neglect raze ruin stop
WEAK
demolish disorganize waste wreck
VERB
bring about, succeed with difficulty
Synonyms
STRONGEST
concoct devise manipulate
STRONG
achieve angle arrange cogitate collude compass connive develop effect elaborate engineer execute finagle hatch intrigue jockey machinate manage maneuver mastermind negotiate pass plan plot project scheme shift swing wrangle
WEAK
carry out hit upon play games work out
Antonyms
STRONG
fail forget ignore leave alone lose miss neglect remain
WEAK
demolish destroy disorganize ruin stop waste wreck

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The author’s few attempts at regret or self-reflection don’t land, nor do her efforts to contrive a kind of contemporary, Didion-inspired journalistic style that mixes meticulous observation with first-person intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

The members must contrive to pay the new guy off, which means redeeming the deadbeat’s paper.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

One of the first things McCartney did when he took over the Buffs in 1982 was contrive a rivalry with Nebraska and ban red in the football building.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

First, undercover officers contrive a situation to cross paths with the target of an investigation.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2023

“How can you contrive to write so even?”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing contrive

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