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.

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

They felt that Odysseus had deserved better at their hands and Zeus spoke for them all when he said they must put their heads together and contrive a way for him to return.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton