adjective
contrived
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adjective
1
Planned or created in an artificial, forced way rather than arising naturally.
"The film's happy ending felt contrived and unearned."
"Their friendly small talk seemed contrived, as if rehearsed beforehand."
How to Use Contrived
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishForced or fake-feeling, rather than natural or spontaneous.
Common pairings
a contrived plot
feel contrived
contrived ending
Word Forms
more contrived comparative, most contrived superlative
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The film's happy ending felt _____ and unearned.