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.

However, with 25 minutes to go and the match seemingly there for the taking, England contrived to hand the initiative back to Italy.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 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

The language of manifesting your dreams into reality might sound nonsensical or contrived, but to JOP, his magical thinking became his saving grace.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 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

She was dressed as though she were going on safari, and contrived to be glamorous about it, too.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein