contrived
adjective
con·trived
kən-ˈtrīvd 
: 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.
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
Perhaps more meaningfully, the message is the antithesis of a contrived political pitch or a hectoring sermon.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
The signs were widely criticized as contrived and Green’s protest was something of a distraction.
—Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Truth is, a contrived event will never enhance Jokic’s legacy.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
What could feel contrived emerges as elegant and honestly felt, a study not just of the tumult that often produces great art, but the silence too.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrived
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Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
The signs were widely criticized as contrived and Green’s protest was something of a distraction.
—Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Truth is, a contrived event will never enhance Jokic’s legacy.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
What could feel contrived emerges as elegant and honestly felt, a study not just of the tumult that often produces great art, but the silence too.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contrived
Cite this Entry
“Contrived.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrived. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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