noun
Freq #299773
Meanings
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1
noun
a person who devises a plan, system, invention, or other creation
The contriver of the tax scheme had overlooked its effect on small traders.
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2
noun
a person who secretly schemes to bring something about
Investigators identified him as the principal contriver of the fraud.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from contrive + the agent suffix -er. Contrive came through Anglo-Norman and Old French controver, 'to devise or invent.' The agent noun can be neutral, for a planner or inventor, or disapproving, for a secret schemer.