contrive
verb (used with object)
to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent.
had contrived
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past perfectof contrive.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
That means he had contrived his approach before the first kickoff.
From Chicago Tribune ● Nov. 23, 2012
Since the second day in Brisbane the Australian attack had contrived to snatch six English wickets for 1137 runs.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 19, 2010
Somehow, Barcelona had contrived to give away that title; now the parallels seemed inescapable.
From The Guardian ● May 10, 2010
Moreover, Mason and two other radical Brawley advisers -- Attorney Alton Maddox Jr. and the Rev. Al Sharpton -- had contrived the events that turned her into a fugitive.
From Time Magazine Archive
Guenever alone had contrived to keep the raven on her head.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
