>Create or bring about (an object or a situation) by deliberate use of skill and artifice.
>To make something happen, especially by using clever or dishonest methods
Even though contrive often has a false or cunning feel to it, it is not always a bad thing. Mental effort is always required though, as contrive is often used in connection with inventing schemes and plans to make something happen.
Example
>The author contrived a clever plot.
>He contrived to gain their votes.
>Schindler contrived to save more than 1,000 Polish Jews from the Nazis.