Find Antonyms

contrive Antonyms

Opposite of contrive

Because the opposite of contrive shifts with each meaning, the antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To create, devise, or bring about a plan, scheme, or object through deliberate skill, ingenuity, or artifice.

Usage Example

"The engineers managed to destroy a temporary cooling system using spare parts found in the workshop."

Strong
destroy
ruin

• verb (Context 2)

To manage or succeed in doing something despite difficulty, or in a way that seems unlikely or foolish (used with an infinitive).

Usage Example

"Despite the clear instructions, he somehow contrived to assemble the bookshelf completely backward."

Strongest
fail

Similar words to contrive

Words similar to contrive shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

devise
manage
concoct
invent
engineer
fabricate
orchestrate
dream up
See all synonyms of contrive

• Nearby Words

contrite
contrition
contrivance
contrive
contrived
contriver
control

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Contrive. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/contrive
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