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Definition of contrive

contrive

/kənˈtraɪv/
con · trive
Adjective:contrived
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Past Simple:contrived
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Past Participle:contrived
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Present Participle:contriving
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contrive Lexical Profile

contrive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

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

Example

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

2

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

Example

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

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for contrive

• Rhymes for contrive

• Nearby Words

contrite
contrition
contrivance
contrive
contrived
contriver
control

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'controver' (to invent or imagine), formed from 'con-' (together) and 'trover' (to find, the same root that gave modern French 'trouver' and English 'trove').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contrive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contrive
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