synthetic

1 of 2

adjective

syn·​thet·​ic sin-ˈthe-tik 

1

: relating to or involving synthesis : not analytic

the synthetic aspects of a philosophy

2

: attributing to a subject something determined by observation rather than analysis of the nature of the subject and not resulting in self-contradiction if negated compare analytic

3

: characterized by frequent and systematic use of inflected forms to express grammatical relationships

synthetic languages

4

a(1)

: of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis

especially : produced artificially

synthetic drugs

synthetic silk

(2)

: of or relating to a synfuel

b

: devised, arranged, or fabricated for special situations to imitate or replace usual realities

c

: factitious, bogus

synthetically

sin-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

synthetic

2 of 2

noun

: something resulting from synthesis rather than occurring naturally

especially : a product (such as a drug or plastic) of chemical synthesis

Synonyms of synthetic

Adjective

• artificial

Examples of synthetic in a Sentence

Adjective

that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

boots of waterproof synthetic leather

Noun

The drug is a synthetic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In market research, companies are using AI, including synthetic market research, to test ideas, understand demographics in hours instead of months, and consolidate platforms. —Brad Anderson, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026

Also planned are an 8- to-10-foot-wide synthetic turf strip, hose bibs, drinking fountains, boulders and log agility features. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Noun

Other studies have found the kind of turf, whether natural grass or synthetic, can impact concussion risk in young athletes. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026

The merino-synthetic blend wicked sweat well and the fit stayed consistent. —Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek synthetikos of composition, component, from syntithenai to put together

First Known Use

Adjective

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1916, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing synthetic

• synthetic division
• synthetic geometry
• synthetic resin

Rhymes for synthetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic

Kids Definition

synthetic

1 of 2 adjective

syn·​thet·​ic sin-ˈthet-ik 

1

: relating to or involving synthesis

2

: of, relating to, or produced by chemical synthesis

especially : produced artificially

synthetic drugs

synthetic fibers

synthetically

-ˈthet-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

synthetic

2 of 2 noun

: a product of chemical synthesis

Medical Definition

synthetic

1 of 2 adjective

syn·​thet·​ic sin-ˈthet-ik 

: of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis

especially : produced artificially

synthetic drugs

synthetic dyes

synthetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

synthetic

2 of 2 noun

: a product (as a drug) of chemical synthesis