contrive | Definition of contrive

Synonyms and Antonyms of contrive

1 to create or think of by clever use of the imagination

contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils

Synonyms of contrive

concoct, construct, cook (up), devise, drum up, excogitate, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up)

Words Related to contrive

coin, design, hatch, produce

daydream, dream, fantasize

conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, picture, vision, visualize

ad-lib, extemporize, improvise

Phrases Synonymous with contrive

Near Antonyms of contrive

clone, copy, copycat, duplicate, imitate, mimic, reduplicate, replicate, reproduce

2 to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends

the mischievous boys were always contriving and trying to pull the prank that would be the talk of the school

Synonyms of contrive

collude, compass, connive, conspire, intrigue, machinate, plot, put up, scheme

Words Related to contrive

brew, concoct, cook (up), devise, hatch

engineer, jockey, maneuver, manipulate

design, frame, lay out, map, plan, shape

3 to plan out usually with subtle skill or care

contrived a way of planning the surprise party without their catching on to it

Synonyms of contrive

engineer, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, mastermind, negotiate, wangle

Words Related to contrive

arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out

angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme

brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch

captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run

Near Antonyms of contrive

blow, bobble, botch, bungle, butcher, flub, fumble, gum (up), louse up, mangle, mess (up), mishandle, muff