If you say that something someone says or does is contrived, you think it is false and deliberate, rather than natural and not planned.

What is an example of contrived?

The definition of contrived is something that seems made-up or forced, or that doesn't ring true. When a plot of a movie or book is far-fetched and doesn't ring true, this is an example of a plot that would be described as contrived. Too obviously the result of forethought and planning; forced; artificial.

Does contrive have a negative connotation?

� The verb contrive is used in a positive and complimentary way. The related adjective contrived is often a negative term to describe something that has been fabricated or concocted without much imagination, while the verb contrive can be used in a positive way to denote clever thinking.