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

The stones actually stretch back to the 1850s, when scientists first began experimenting with creating synthetic gems like rubies. —Elena Odulak, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025

The church shared photos on social media showing the skeleton of a synthetic Christmas tree that had been cleared of the green plastic branches, and red and gold ornaments were scattered across a courtyard. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Noun

For shoppers hoping for a discount by trading down for a synthetic, alternatives haven't been spared either. —Luke Fountain, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025

Made of durable synthetic rattan with a rust-proof steel frame, it’s built to last and easy to care for—simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust as needed. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025

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