1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it was the grotesque nature of his stories that made them a challenge to get published in mainstream magazines her nature was such that lying was never an option for her the stoic nature of that family enables them to endure one calamity after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation needed to get out of the office and back to nature in order to clear his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common group together anything round: buttons, lids, coins, and other things of that nature

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed the belief that all of nature is controlled by an unseen Supreme Being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nature distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of nature are character, description, kind, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to nature?

Although the words character and nature have much in common, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of nature?

The synonyms description and nature are sometimes interchangeable, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When can kind be used instead of nature?

In some situations, the words kind and nature are roughly equivalent. However, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would sort be a good substitute for nature?

While the synonyms sort and nature are close in meaning, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of nature?

The words type and nature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nature The English-language narration, delivered by Kyra Sedgwick, is used for sporadic, jarring and rarely necessary info drops, and would have felt more at home on the soundtrack of a PBS nature series. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 Showrunner Patrick Macmanus tried hard to tone down the lurid, tabloid nature of the crime. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 The film's villain, Bruce, is a great white shark with a relentless nature — and the creature doesn't discriminate. Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 Activities and Experiences The Asticou can set guests up with a private guide for nature walks or hikes through Acadia National Park. Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
Noun
  • TextEdit now functions as my to-do-list app, my e-mail drafting window, my personal calendar, and my stash of notes to self, which act like digital Post-its.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Prometheus is the unshackled man who shouldn’t worry about consent or consequence, the very vision of the self-justifying right-wing idiot.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nearly a million acres of wilderness stretch across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, but in the heart of it are three mineral pools—their waters naturally heated within the earth and bubbling at a soothing 99 to 104 degrees.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Phillips, who came from a farming family in Marokopa, disappeared with his children into the rugged wilderness during a bitter family split in December 2021.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But in the eastern areas close to the front, movement of any kind is dangerous, and electricity and phone service are often disrupted.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The boutique will include handmade must haves, one-of-a-kind treasures and great gift ideas, as well as quilts for all ages, holiday items, children’s toys, lovely home décor, planters and unique household goods to name a few.
    Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your disposition and attitude is an inspiration.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Despite his perverse and jock-like disposition, he is known to be a talented and knowledgeable surgeon.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But perhaps its essence is best told by its most famous resident.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • This is the essence of the palpable belief in the vampire.
    Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the Dick Wolf drama, Flueger is also known for his appearances on the other Chicago universe shows, Chicago Med and Chicago Fire, but also for movies such as Brothers, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, and Natalie Portman, and the 2011 version of Footloose.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The medical drama series, which belongs to NBC’s One Chicago universe, premiered in 2015 and is currently in season 11.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For him, this means refusing to court TikTok personalities, to pander to trends, or to tie his star to a viral moment or an It bag.
    Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Remoteness draws the witness — or victim — forward and into the circle of the predator’s personality.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While all three coaches differed in terms of style and temperament, all three either failed to fill Canvas, failed to win consistently, or, in the case of Steve Addazio, failed at both.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • At its core, hybrid parenting involves considering your family’s goals and values, as well as your temperament and your child’s temperament, and parenting in a way that makes sense for you and your child.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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