(~s, contriving, ~d)
1.
If you ~ an event or situation, you succeed in making it happen, often by tricking someone. (FORMAL)
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
VERB: V n
2.
If you ~ to do something difficult, you succeed in doing it. (FORMAL)
The orchestra ~d to produce some of its best playing for years.
VERB: V to-inf