contrived

/kənˈtraɪvd/

/kənˈtraɪvd/

Other forms: contrivedly

If you see something that seems fake since it was too perfectly planned out, call it contrived. If you can easily predict the final minutes of a made-for-TV movie, then call it contrived.

The adjective contrived describes something that is artificially planned, especially in an obvious way, so it comes across as faked or forced. It's not just drama that can come off as contrived. Someone's speech habits, wardrobe, or even personality can seem contrived. Whenever someone appears as if he or she is "trying too hard," they might seem contrived, or the opposite of "natural."

Definitions of contrived

1. adjective

   showing effects of planning or manipulation
   “a novel with a contrived ending”

   synonyms:

   planned

   designed or carried out according to a plan
2. adjective

   artificially formal
   “contrived coyness”

   synonyms: artificial, hokey, stilted

   affected, unnatural

   speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression