Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

contrive

[kuhn-trahyv] / kənˈtraɪv /
VERB
invent, design
Synonyms
STRONGEST
concoct devise dream up fabricate improvise manipulate
STRONG
construct create engineer fashion forge form formulate frame handle hatch make manufacture move plan plot project rig scheme vamp wangle
WEAK
come up with cook up make up throw together trump up whip up
Antonyms
STRONG
break destroy discourage dissuade forget neglect raze ruin stop
WEAK
demolish disorganize waste wreck
VERB
bring about, succeed with difficulty
Synonyms
STRONGEST
concoct devise manipulate
STRONG
achieve angle arrange cogitate collude compass connive develop effect elaborate engineer execute finagle hatch intrigue jockey machinate manage maneuver mastermind negotiate pass plan plot project scheme shift swing wrangle
WEAK
carry out hit upon play games work out
Antonyms
STRONG
fail forget ignore leave alone lose miss neglect remain
WEAK
demolish destroy disorganize ruin stop waste wreck

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

In the coming days, he’ll contrive to meet her here and there, until they get friendly, and friendlier.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025

Or might they contrive to block the constitutional change on the basis that for Mayotte alone it is too restrictive?

From BBC • Feb. 14, 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

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

Vocabulary lists containing contrive

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Animal Farm

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Words for the High School Graduate

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!