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.

They can dominate chunks of a game with their excellence and then contrive to lose that same game with their mental wobbles.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

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

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

“In short,” Leonardo concludes modestly, “I can contrive an infinite variety of machines for attack or defense.”

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day