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
"From that day on he would contrive situations to get me alone," he said.
From BBC • Jan. 8, 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
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