Synonyms

contrive

American

[kuhn-trahyv] / kənˈtraɪv /

verb (used with object)

contrived, contriving

to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent.

The author contrived a clever plot.

Synonyms:

concoct, design
to bring about or effect by a plan, scheme, or the like; manage.

He contrived to gain their votes.
to plot (evil, treachery, etc.).

Synonyms:

scheme, conspire

verb (used without object)

contrived, contriving

to form designs; plan.
to plot.

Synonyms:

connive

contrive British

/ kənˈtraɪv /

verb

(tr) to manage (something or to do something), esp by means of a trick; engineer

he contrived to make them meet
(tr) to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately

he contrived a new mast for the boat
to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See prepare.

Other Word Forms

contrivable adjective
contriver noun
precontrive verb
uncontriving adjective

Etymology

Origin of contrive

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English contreven, from Middle French contreuv-, tonic stem of controver “to devise, invent,” Old French: “to decide, agree upon,” from Late Latin contropāre “to compare,” equivalent to con- con- + (unattested) tropāre (becoming French trouver “to find”; trover ); development of vowel unclear

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 language of manifesting your dreams into reality might sound nonsensical or contrived, but to JOP, his magical thinking became his saving grace.

From Los Angeles Times

Three of them contrived to lose in Week 17, with two of those defeats coming to opponents who had already been eliminated from postseason contention.

From The Wall Street Journal

Others applauded that decision, content not to trot out their work-party ensemble and contrive the holiday cheer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Djiga contrived to head the ball into Martinez's path under no pressure to gift Braga a point, the defender appearing to lose the flight of the ball in swirling conditions.

From BBC

And it’s here that “Keeper” starts to unravel, the arrestingly pristine visuals and hypnotic rhythms giving way to contrived explanations.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023