contrive

American  

[kuhn-trahyv] / kənˈtraɪv /

verb (used with object)

contrived, contriving

1. to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent.

   The author contrived a clever plot.

   Synonyms:

   concoct, design

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

   He contrived to gain their votes.

3. to plot (evil, treachery, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   scheme, conspire

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verb (used without object)

contrived, contriving

1. to form designs; plan.

2. to plot.

   Synonyms:

   connive

contrive British  

/ kənˈtraɪv /

verb

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

   he contrived to make them meet

2. (tr) to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately

   he contrived a new mast for the boat

3. to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc)

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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”; see trover); development of vowel unclear

Explanation

When you contrive, you make a plan or a plot. It may take you longer to contrive your way out of doing your homework than would to actually do it. Even though contrive often has a false or cunning feel to it, it is not always a bad thing. Mental effort is always required though, as contrive is often used in connection with inventing schemes and plans to make something happen. Contraption, a complicated mysterious device that does something, is related to contrive. Have you ever seen a Rube Goldberg contraption? When you contrive to do something, your plan may end up being that complicated.

Example Sentences

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

As Mariko, Sawai, recently seen in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” is the picture of melancholic resolve, and the filmmakers contrive to highlight her otherworldly beauty, filling the screen with her face at every opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2024

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

“In short,” Leonardo concludes modestly, “I can contrive an infinite variety of machines for attack or defense.”

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Related Words

• concoct
• devise
• dream up
• fabricate
• improvise
• manipulate