CONTRIVE Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

contrive

verb

kən-ˈtrīv

Definition of contrive

as in to devise

to create or think of by clever use of the imagination contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to plot

to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends the mischievous boys were always contriving and trying to pull the prank that would be the talk of the school

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to negotiate

to plan out usually with subtle skill or care contrived a way of planning the surprise party without their catching on to it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contrive The work lies in making that interface feel truthful rather than contrived. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Credibility gets strained pretty quickly as the playwrights contrive to get the characters to face each other in person. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 Even his courtship with Bess Wallace was accented by Truman contriving a tennis court for her — the dynamics of which are captured through photos of and letters about his efforts. — Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026 Even if the stakes feel contrived, just enjoy watching two of the game’s greats go at it with a little something on the line, no matter how fleeting the feeling may be. — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrive

Verb

Advertisement As Claude began completing such tasks too reliably to reveal much, Freeman devised a test closer to the messiness of the real world.

— Harry Booth, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
In Ukraine, Washington may have waited too long to devise a strategy for ending the war.

— Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of devise

Verb

The Voyagers have been skirting this dismal fate for years now, with NASA engineers carefully monitoring each spacecraft’s power supplies and plotting out when to turn off individual instruments to keep the missions going as long as possible.

— Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
While this reunion was happening, Juke was watching from a safe distance, plotting.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of plot

Verb

The mogul has told investors the company is willing to negotiate a settlement with Bonta in hopes of completing the massive merger as soon as possible.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
If Peltz moves forward this time, Trian would first submit the proposal via a regulatory filing and Wendy's independent directors would then decide whether to negotiate directly with Peltz's firm or run a broader auction process.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of negotiate

Verb

Like, for instance, Loughlin, who paid Singer $500,000 to concoct fake row team credentials — and even stage phony rowing photos — to get her two daughters into USC.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
The cocktail menu leans into the couple’s heritage with some Argentine staples, including the El Clásico of Fernet and Coke and El Diego, concocted with sweet vermouth, Coke and a splash of whiskey.

— Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of concoct

Verb

Shanahan schemed up multiple 100-yard games for Kendrick Bourne, and even journeyman Demarcus Robinson had 111 yards in the playoffs against the Eagles — neither receiver had a 100-yard game since 2022.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 29 July 2026
Corey Hawkins as Polybus Polybus is another one of Penelope’s many suitors who scheme to take her hand and kingdoms for themselves.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of scheme

Verb

With fellow voice actor and Rugrats star Michael Bell, Chartoff invented the Grayway Rotating Drain, which recycles used water from showers and sinks for other household uses.

— Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026
No American family should have to invent its own aging strategy in the middle of a crisis.

— Samir Shah, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of invent

Verb

For his treachery in conspiring with Gwayne, Daemon claims Corlys as his own prisoner.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Before the jazz debacle, Ludlow was best known as a former City Council member who pleaded guilty in 2006 to federal charges of conspiring to embezzle union funds for campaign costs.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of conspire

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“Contrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrive. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of contrive

verb

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