Synonyms for Contrive (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (make or work out a plan for; devise):
design, plan, project, projectWordNet sense 2 (put or send forth):
cast, throwWordNet sense 3 (come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort):
devise, forge, formulate, invent, excogitateFrom the ODE community, based on WordNetadd/edit