contrived: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/kənˈtraɪvd/·kun-TRYVD

Contrived (adjective) means seeming false and planned rather than natural.

What does “contrived” mean?

  1. 1

    adjectiveseeming false and planned rather than natural

    The ending of the film felt contrived.

Contrived at a glance

Part of speech
adjective
CEFR level
C2 (proficient)
Pronunciation
/kənˈtraɪvd/ · kun-TRYVD

How to use “contrived” correctly

A frequent criticism in film and book reviews.

Common phrases with “contrived”

  • a contrived plot
  • contrived situation

Synonyms (similar meaning)

  • artificial
  • forced
  • unnatural

Antonyms (opposite meaning)

Word family

“contrived” is on these word lists

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