contrive
verb (used with object)
to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent.
are contriving
-
present progressiveof contrive.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
And their size is governed by the wavelengths of sunlight, not by the imagination of engineers who are contriving ever more miniaturized transistors down the Moore’s Law learning curve.
From Forbes ● Feb. 14, 2011
"Done!" exclaimed Sturges; "but you are contriving this up for a chance to get away, you scamp."
From The Rangers; or, The Tory's Daughter A tale illustrative of the revolutionary history of Vermont by Thompson, D. P.
I have not seen him yet, but I verily think they are contriving a peace as fast as they can, without which it will be impossible to subsist.
From The Journal to Stella by Swift, Jonathan
"Ay, sir," says I, "you are contriving how to make me a rich old woman, but that won't answer my end; I had rather have £20,000 now than £60,000 when I am fifty years old."
From The Fortunate Mistress (Parts 1 and 2) or a History of the Life of Mademoiselle de Beleau Known by the Name of the Lady Roxana by Defoe, Daniel
So, Clary, you are contriving an excuse, I find, for somewhat that we have not doubted has been in your head a great while.
From Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 1 by Richardson, Samuel
