as in strained
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
the contrived applause of a TV studio audience that has been told when to clap
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in concocted
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in plotted
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
the mischievous boys were always contriving and trying to pull the prank that would be the talk of the school
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in negotiated
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
contrived a way of planning the surprise party without their catching on to it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrived
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
Eschewing a contrived set-up, Wax’s Izzy relates her story simply and directly to the audience.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 June 2025
That’s the setting where Diamond’s story unfolds, in a very contrived and forced manner — even by jukebox musical standards — as the therapist uses a book of the singer-songwriter’s lyrics as a launching pad to examine significant life moments.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Kyle: And to set up contrived philosophical discussions.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrived
Adjective
Henry Golding plays a bookkeeper whose sole purpose is to set up the lore, but Discord’s threat always feels more contrived than inevitable.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
Eschewing a contrived set-up, Wax’s Izzy relates her story simply and directly to the audience.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 June 2025
That’s the setting where Diamond’s story unfolds, in a very contrived and forced manner — even by jukebox musical standards — as the therapist uses a book of the singer-songwriter’s lyrics as a launching pad to examine significant life moments.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Kyle: And to set up contrived philosophical discussions.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrived
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrived
Adjective
-
Prosecutors say that the two-year relationship between Read and O’Keefe had become strained with jealousy and significant fighting, heightened by frequent alcohol use.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi last week, both sides recognized the recent improvements in their strained relationship.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The North America deal was negotiated between Rachel White, Vertical’s Manager of Acquisitions & Sales, and Daniel Diamond of Diamond Media, which is handling sales.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2025
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The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Acquisitions & Development Executive Max Hart and DeskPop Entertainment’s Executive Vice President Mat Levy.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Hall has been drafted significantly higher than Allen in mock drafts.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Food Network hosted a group of 16 rising high school students at its headquarters in New York this week for a three-day culinary lab that culminated in a competition to pitch a new TV show concept and then a battle for which team could execute the best dishes for a mock version of the idea.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Before the Frazier and Foreman fight was devised, former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of the title.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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Price controls don’t work, whether they’re devised domestically or imported from abroad.—
Sally Pipes,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In Season 4 of the Max comedy, Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels have manipulated their way into their respective dream jobs as host and head writer of a late-night talk show on network TV.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
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This country is being manipulated by two people — and those too afraid to have the courage to oppose them.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
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Later that night, the brothers return with Dougal supporting Colum, as his leg is twisted in an unnatural way.—
Lincee Ray Published,
EW.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This reactor stands out because its sophisticated solar absorber is carefully engineered to retain as much heat as possible while reducing losses.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2025
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Given the sensitivity of the LiDAR to performance to temperature, Komatsu engineered specialized thermal management solutions to address a wide operating range (-50 °C - +65 °C).—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As a part of the settlement, the false electors acknowledged their actions were used in an attempt to overturn an election.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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They were arraigned on Friday in Brockton District Court on one count each of larceny over $1,200 by false pretenses, embezzlement, and conspiracy.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrived.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrived. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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