contrive
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.
They can dominate chunks of a game with their excellence and then contrive to lose that same game with their mental wobbles.
From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026
Others applauded that decision, content not to trot out their work-party ensemble and contrive the holiday cheer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025
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
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
Once in a moment of thoughtlessness I asked how he would contrive to pay all his staff when the hospital was finally established, for it was certain many people would be needed to run it.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
Vocabulary lists containing contrive
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