contrived

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Guardiola must still be furious and frustrated at how City were so much in command at half-time with a two-goal advantage, yet somehow contrived to cast aside two points and almost lose all three.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

But Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday: "Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing."

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

It’s not like those good manners and contrived niceties ever managed to paper over those divisions in the first place.

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

The problem with “The Heart Sellers” is that Luna and Jane are saddled with a contrived premise that doesn’t allow them sufficient room for dramatic complexity.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

She went to a closet contrived of a calico curtain hung across a corner of the room and got the felt hat she had worn.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner