Crossword Genius

Increase is contrived (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

put up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'increase' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for put up that I've seen before include "Offer one's home" , "Build - house" , "unfair sort of job" , "Have to stay - bogus" , "Give accommodation to" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.