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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrived
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025
Some update accounts have started to post photoshopped emails that fabricate invitations to an anniversary collaboration with Spotify and Apple Music in a contrived effort to drive up streams on her latest album, Something Beautiful.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025
Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Sure, much of the drama and plot feels contrived, but that’s true for many reality-show first seasons.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrived
Adjective
Aside from Murphy and Davidson, Palmer does exactly what is expected from her, and Longoria also survives with dignity intact after being handed a contrived role that no actor could make credible; give her an ‘A ‘ for effort.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025
Some update accounts have started to post photoshopped emails that fabricate invitations to an anniversary collaboration with Spotify and Apple Music in a contrived effort to drive up streams on her latest album, Something Beautiful.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025
Verb
His perpetual ease — spontaneous and never contrived — has always held a deep fascination for me and for my creativity.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Sure, much of the drama and plot feels contrived, but that’s true for many reality-show first seasons.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrived
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrived
Adjective
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One of the main challenges facing the economy is the strained relationship between Beijing and Washington as disputes over technology and geopolitics mount.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Photothek via Getty Images Against the backdrop of a strained labour market, many workers feel obliged to overperform.—
Alliance Manchester Business School,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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To solve this problem, materials scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have concocted a new sunscreen recipe that spares the ocean’s vital microorganisms.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
4 Sep. 2025
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On paper, Dallas has the tools to do just that, but NBA insider Zach Buckley, of Bleacher Report, has concocted a trade proposal that sees the Mavericks strengthen their forward position.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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To avoid this scenario, Makadia's team plotted the best spots on an asteroid's surface to avoid the keyhole.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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For one, Leonard signed a max contract—unlike with Smith and the Timberwolves, there’s no claim Leonard and the Clippers plotted a scheme where he’d be paid less in the short term in exchange for being paid more later.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Also in the package, which was negotiated behind closed doors during the final days of the 9-month legislative session, were deals to replenish the state wildfire fund and create a regional electric grid for western states to trade excess energy.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Bay Area state senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin had negotiated a $750 million loan for transit into this year’s budget, meant to avoid service cuts until voters authorize a potential regional sales tax measure in November 2026 that could provide longterm replacement for farebox revenue.—
Kate Talerico,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whose idea was this, and what kinds of settler-colonial relations does this mock holdup invert?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
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Sweater My grandmother also purchased this 100 percent cashmere mock-neck sweater to have on hand in case the weather requires an extra layer.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Originally devised in the mid-1990s by financial adviser Bill Bengen, the rule suggested retirees could safely withdraw 4 percent of their portfolio in the first year of retirement and then continue withdrawing the same amount, adjusted for inflation, each year after.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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That theorem, devised by Stephen Hawking way back in 1971, has profound implications.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The sound of the tuning forks was then digitally manipulated to fit the pitch of the music and timed to match any moves the characters make.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Russia's Influence Operations in 2016, Russia conducted extensive campaigns during the presidential election, employing fake personas, troll farms, and manipulated content to inflame racial, ideological, and cultural divisions.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But in images with few items and sparser backgrounds, the spatial effect looks unnatural.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
17 Sep. 2025
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These systems check everything from micro-expressions to unnatural lighting, skin texture or moiré patterns left by screen replays.—
Ihar Kliashchou,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrived.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrived. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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