contrive

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.

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

He is sometimes inspired to make a poor choice, but, as with the silent comedians of old, the universe will contrive to save him.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 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

"From that day on he would contrive situations to get me alone," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2023

If discovered here in the morning, I could contrive some explanation of how I came to be shut up in the property room.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood