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 Jefferson rooted the Declaration in natural philosophy, or the philosophical study of nature and the physical universe without consideration of supernatural causes. Time, 1 July 2025 Although there is nothing low-key about the arrestingly beautiful Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, it was designed with the intention of eventually merging with—or even disappearing behind—the cover of nature. Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025 Everyone talks about the beauty of nature, but people are far more beautiful. Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 But any government bringing its own military inside Iran’s borders should understand the nature of the country. Karl Vick, Time, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
Noun
  • March 2025 The Lovers: March seems to be a month of making major choices and aligning with your future self, Pisces.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • My work is infused with love—and a quest for love—of the self and others.
    Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Through wilderness protection, it would be preserved for future generations.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
  • Green Chili Pulled Pork Fries At Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona grown, duck fat fries covered in wilderness beer cheese, pulled pork, green chili, and parsley.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • There are three holidays when alcohol of any kind is prohibited from being sold in Tennessee.
    Jordan Green, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • That process would happen without the formal bids or public referendum typically required for disposition of city property.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Whether by design or disposition, from Wall Street to Main Streets, China to Chicago, the chaos and radical uncertainty sown by the President’s words and deeds finds consumer and corporate sentiment jumpier than Elon at a Trump rally before their break-up.
    Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • And the film has stood the test of time, capturing the essence of America's early space program for posterity.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2025
  • When considering the essence of Aquarius, however, there is a greater focus on themes surrounding technology, friendship, group affiliations and social dynamics.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Wi Ha-jun has played several memorable supporting roles in series like Gyeongseong Creature and Little Women, before landing this breakout role in the Squid Game universe.
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Where does this live in the Onion universe, basically.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • But French did not heed the calls, and several MAGA media personalities and politicians expressed their support for him.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • The impact on daily life Being able to communicate in real-time, with one's own voice and personality, is a game-changer for people living with paralysis.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In the doc, Nobu comes across as a man with few flaws and a very even temperament.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 2 July 2025
  • Scientists say the bees' temperament is a defense mechanism to ward off predators.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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