contrive

[ kuhn-trahyv ]

verb (used with object)

contrived, contriving.

1. to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent:

   The author contrived a clever plot.

   Synonyms: concoct, design

2. to bring about or effect by a plan, scheme, or the like; manage:

   He contrived to gain their votes.

3. to plot (evil, treachery, etc.).

   Synonyms: scheme, conspire

verb (used without object)

contrived, contriving.

1. to form designs; plan.
2. to plot.

   Synonyms: connive

contrive

/ kənˈtraɪv /

verb

1. tr to manage (something or to do something), esp by means of a trick; engineer

   he contrived to make them meet

2. tr to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately

   he contrived a new mast for the boat

3. to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc)

Derived Forms

• conˈtriver, noun
• conˈtrivable, adjective

Other Word Forms

• con·triva·ble adjective
• con·triver noun
• precon·trive verb precontrived precontriving
• uncon·triving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrive¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English contreven, from Middle French contreuv-, tonic stem of controver “to devise, invent,” Old French: “to decide, agree upon,” from Late Latin contropāre “to compare,” equivalent to con- con- + (unattested) tropāre (becoming French trouver “to find”; trover ); development of vowel unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrive¹

C14: from Old French controver, from Late Latin contropāre to represent by figures of speech, compare, from Latin com- together + tropus figure of speech, trope

Synonym Study

See prepare.

Example Sentences

Her death, largely contrived by Cromwell at the behest of his prince, bookends the 2015 adaptation and opens the 2025 sequel, creating a kind of illusion that the ten years separating them never existed.

From Salon

While "Backtrack" may be somewhat contrived in its plotting, the jump scares and Brody’s moody performance remain effective.

From Salon

Bryant didn’t like anything phony, anything contrived, anything that interfered with the serious business of winning a championship.

From Los Angeles Times

What is astonishing is that we manage to get invested in her career, despite plotting that goes from cheekily contrived to absurd.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the world number 10 will head away from the tournament wondering just how he contrived to lose against Wilson.

From BBC

Related Words

• concoct
• devise
• dream up
• fabricate
• improvise
• manipulate