Contrived and Strained

Contrived

Contrived adjective - Lacking in natural or spontaneous quality.
Usage example: the contrived applause of a TV studio audience that has been told when to clap

Strained is a synonym for contrived in forced topic. In some cases you can use "Strained" instead an adjective "Contrived", when it comes to topics like true, unnatural, overly planned. popular alternative

Nearby Words: contrivance, contriving, contriver

Strained

Strained adjective - Lacking in natural or spontaneous quality.
Usage example: I took the complaint manager's strained smile to mean I wasn't a welcome sight

Contrived is a synonym for strained in true topic. You can use "Contrived" instead an adjective "Strained", if it concerns topics such as unnatural. popular alternative

Nearby Words: strain, straining, strainer

Both words in one sentence

  • Video Game / Ib Contrived Coincidence: The painting "Strained Ear" just happens to be next to the bookcase where Garry reads about Mary actually being a painting.
Cite this Source
Strained and Contrived. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrived/strained
Contrived & Strained. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrived/strained>.
Strained or Contrived. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrived/strained.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "contrived" and "strained" have occurred on timeline