synesthesia

noun

syn·​es·​the·​sia ˌsi-nəs-ˈthē-zh(ē-)ə 

1

: a concomitant sensation

especially : a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated

2

: the condition marked by the experience of such sensations

synesthetic

ˌsi-nəs-ˈthe-tik 

adjective

Examples of synesthesia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Later, Alcaras consults a specialist who explains synesthesia, a rare hereditary condition where the senses cross. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 6 Nov. 2025

The film explores Mancuso's synesthesia and Brazilian heritage, with Mendes playing one of his love interests, Isabella. —Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025

More than a few movies have evoked the experience of synesthesia, some by chance, some through a deliberate attempt to reproduce its effects. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2025

Dearmore did some research and discovered this is called synesthesia. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from syn- + -esthesia (as in anesthesia)

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synesthesia

• anaesthesia
• analgesia
• anesthesia
• dyskinesia
• paresthesia
• amnesia
• atresia
• babesia
• hyperalgesia
• hyperesthesia

Medical Definition

synesthesia

noun

syn·​es·​the·​sia

variants or chiefly British synaesthesia

ˌsin-əs-ˈthē-zh(ē-)ə 

: a concomitant sensation and especially a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated

also : the condition marked by the experience of such sensations

synesthetic adjective

or chiefly British synaesthetic

-ˈthet-ik