verb

concoct

kuhn-KOKT

verb

To make something, especially food or a drink, by combining different ingredients.

"She concocted a strange cocktail from whatever was left in the cupboard."

"He concocted a marinade of soy sauce, honey, and chilli."

To invent a story, plan, or excuse, often a dishonest one.

"The suspect concocted an alibi that quickly fell apart."

"They concocted a scheme to avoid paying the fine."

How to Use Concoct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo mix up or invent something — a dish, a drink, or (often) a made-up excuse.

Common mistake

Usually carries a slight suggestion of improvisation or dishonesty when used about stories or plans.

Common pairings

concoct a story concoct a plan concoct a drink

more concoct comparative, concocted past tense, concocts plural, concocts singular, most concoct superlative

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She _____ a strange cocktail from whatever was left in the cupboard.

From Latin concoquere, "to boil together, digest" — from con- ("together") plus coquere ("to cook").