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Definition of contrived

contrived

/kənˈtraɪvd/
con · trived
Adverb:contrivedly
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contrived Lexical Profile

contrived Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously; appearing forced, artificial, or implausible.

Example

"Critics complained that the novel's happy ending felt overly contrived and unconvincing."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for contrived

• Nearby Words

contrition
contrivance
contrive
contrived
contriver
control
controllability

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century as the participial adjective of 'contrive', which came into Middle English via Old French 'controver' (to find or invent), from Late Latin 'contropare' (to compare via figurative expression).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contrived. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contrived
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