What word describes a state of being artificially created or exaggerated?

The term that best describes a state of being artificially created or exaggerated is "contrived." This word is often used to indicate that something appears forced or unnatural, typically suggesting a lack of authenticity because it has been skillfully or deliberately constructed rather than occurring naturally.

In various contexts, whether in literature, art, or social situations, "contrived" is utilized to highlight when something feels overly planned or orchestrated—making it sound or look less genuine. This connotation aligns perfectly with the idea of exaggeration as well, indicating that what is presented might not accurately reflect reality.

While "fabricated," "faux," and "unnatural" also convey themes of artificiality, they each carry their nuances. "Fabricated" leans more towards the idea of being constructed from scratch or invented. "Faux" suggests imitation, especially in fashion or design, with a focus on being a substitute rather than directly indicating exaggeration. "Unnatural" implies a departure from nature or what is typical, but doesn’t necessarily encompass the sense of planning or artifice that "contrived" does.

Thus, "contrived" is the most fitting word as it encapsulates both the idea of artificiality and the tendency of exaggeration