contrived

adjective

con·trived kən-ˈtrīvd

Synonyms of contrived next

: having an unnatural or false appearance or quality : artificial, labored

a contrived plot

Examples of contrived in a Sentence

… it may remind readers of Christopher Nolan's ingeniously contrived mystery film "Memento" … —

Joyce Carol Oates, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2005

The music industry has become far more image conscious and contrived since her first album affected me so profoundly … —

Lisa Marie Presley, Time, 18 Apr. 2005

There are some who scorn that sterling art form, the afternoon soap opera, alleging that its characters are unbelievable, its plots contrived and its action negligible. —

Lydel Sims, Assignment: Memphis, 1982

The movie's contrived ending was a big disappointment. The results of the test seemed somewhat contrived.

Recent Examples on the Web For those who feel that the contrived consensus of public-health officials robbed them of the chance to spend time with a dying relative, or attend a wedding, or meet a grandchild, there is no just recompense. —

The Editors, National Review, 17 May 2024 His reasons are incoherent, contrived and legally baseless. —

Ron Matthias, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrived

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contrived.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.