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

They can dominate chunks of a game with their excellence and then contrive to lose that same game with their mental wobbles.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

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

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

“How can you contrive to write so even?”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Related Words

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