English Reference
adjective

scripted

adj.
US /ˈskɹɪptɪd/ UK /skɹˈɪptɪd/ script·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    written or prepared before it is read or performed, like a speech or a TV show.

    prepared in writing or planned beforehand rather than being spontaneous or improvised.

    Simple

    The comedian's jokes felt natural, but the entire show was actually scripted.

    In context

    The documentary was criticized for including several scripted scenes that were presented to the audience as spontaneous interactions.

    preparedwrittenprearranged
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    feeling fake or not natural because it seems too planned.

    lacking spontaneity or authenticity; perceived as artificial, trite, or overly predictable.

    Simple

    Her apology sounded scripted, as if she didn't really mean what she said.

    In context

    The politician's response felt scripted and hollow, failing to address the raw emotion of the voters' concerns.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    controlled or performed by a computer program.

    executed or controlled by a script or automated sequence of commands.

    Simple

    The software update includes a scripted process that runs automatically at midnight.

    In context

    The administrator used a scripted routine to migrate the user data, ensuring that the complex permissions remained intact throughout the transition.

This year, he scripted jokes for Gatwa, as a writer on Sky’s Saturday Night Live UK .

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated