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Synonyms

contrived

American  
[kuhn-trahyvd] / kənˈtraɪvd /

adjective

  1. obviously planned or forced; artificial; strained.

    a contrived story.


contrived British  
/ kənˈtraɪvd /

adjective

  1. obviously planned, artificial, or lacking in spontaneity; forced; unnatural

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • contrivedly adverb
  • uncontrived adjective
  • well-contrived adjective

Etymology

Origin of contrived

First recorded in 1505–15; contrive + -ed 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Guardiola must still be furious and frustrated at how City were so much in command at half-time with a two-goal advantage, yet somehow contrived to cast aside two points and almost lose all three.

From BBC

But Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday: "Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing."

From Barron's

The language of manifesting your dreams into reality might sound nonsensical or contrived, but to JOP, his magical thinking became his saving grace.

From Los Angeles Times

Three of them contrived to lose in Week 17, with two of those defeats coming to opponents who had already been eliminated from postseason contention.

From The Wall Street Journal

Djiga contrived to head the ball into Martinez's path under no pressure to gift Braga a point, the defender appearing to lose the flight of the ball in swirling conditions.

From BBC