contrive
verb (used with object)
to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent.
is contriving
-
present progressiveof contrive (3rd person singular).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.
Figuring out a flow chart of blame is contriving chaos into organization.
From Slate ● Mar. 8, 2021
Soon he is contriving to meet her, without ever admitting his philanthropy, and taking a more active role in steering the course of her life.
From New York Times ● Sep. 29, 2015
For this there are also sound business reasons: M.G.M. is contriving a film sequel, which, using the same cast, will cover the second, exploratory half of Novelist Kenneth Roberts' bestseller.
From Time Magazine Archive
What else then do you think that this man is contriving or wishing, or what other object do you think he has in the war?
From The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4 by Cicero, Marcus Tullius
The Ministry is contriving new funds for money by lotteries, and we go on as if the war were to continue, but I believe it will not.
From The Journal to Stella by Swift, Jonathan
