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 really like each other. 你不能为他们安排一次会面吗？我觉得他们真的互有好感。

[ + to infinitive ] Somehow she contrived to get tickets for the concert. 她不知通过什么方式搞到了音乐会的门票。

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? 你能设计个东西让我在买到衣橱前挂衣服吗？