Contrive
Contrive verb - To create or think of by clever use of the imagination.
Usage example: contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
Design is a synonym for contrive in devise topic. In some cases you can use "Design" instead a verb "Contrive", when it comes to topics like trade, scheme, originate, planned. popular alternative
Design
Design verb - To work out the details of (something) in advance.
Usage example: the foreman designed a better layout for the factory floor to improve efficiency
Contrive is a synonym for design in intend topic. You can use "Contrive" instead a verb "Design", if it concerns topics such as plan, devise, create, activity. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- If you're lucky, events can contrive to make this game-ending depending on your fortress design and how close other dwarves are to being over the edge themselves.
Cite this Source
Design and Contrive. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrive/design
Contrive & Design. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrive/design>.
Design or Contrive. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrive/design.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "contrive" and "design" have occurred on timeline