invent vs contrive

invent and contrive both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
invent	No	No	Yes	No
contrive	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, invent and contrive are synonyms defined as:

invent and contrive: come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

Other synonyms of invent include devise, excogitate, forge, formulate.

invent (verb)	contrive (verb)
come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort	come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
concoct something artificial or untrue	make or work out a plan for; devise
	put or send forth