Contrive
Contrive verb - To create or think of by clever use of the imagination.
Usage example: contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
Invent is a synonym for contrive in devise topic. In some cases you can use "Invent" instead a verb "Contrive", when it comes to topics like think up, make, start, originate. popular alternative
Invent
Invent verb - To create or think of by clever use of the imagination.
Usage example: they invented an explanation for the broken vase that would satisfy their grandmother
Contrive is a synonym for invent in originate topic. You can use "Contrive" instead a verb "Invent", if it concerns topics such as create, think up, make, plan. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Cite this Source
Invent and Contrive. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrive/invent
Contrive & Invent. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrive/invent>.
Invent or Contrive. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrive/invent.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "contrive" and "invent" have occurred on timeline