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contrive
verb [T] /kənˈtraɪv/Definition
› to arrange a situation or event, or arrange for something to happen, using clever planning: Couldn't you contrive a meeting between them? I think they'd be ideally suited. [+ to infinitive] Somehow she contrived to get tickets for the concert.Planning, expecting and arrangingPlotting and trapping › to invent and/or make a device or other object in a clever and possibly unusual way: Do you think you could contrive something for hanging my clothes on until I can get a wardrobe?Inventing, designing and innovationCreating and producing
(Definition of contrive verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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- Skill, talent and ability
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SMART Thesaurus: Planning, expecting and arranging
Synonyms and related words:
- accidentally on purpose idiom
- advisedly adverb
- aim at sth phrasal verb
- aim sth at sb phrasal verb
- allow for sth phrasal verb
- cue noun (SIGNAL)
- expectant adjective (THINKING)
- forethought noun
- formulate verb
- hatch verb (PLAN)
- have something in mind idiom
- have sth up your sleeve idiom
- how are you fixed for sth? idiom
- prearranged adjective
- predetermine verb
- premeditated adjective
- preordain verb
- presentiment noun
- prognosis noun
- summon verb (ORDER)
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