synaptic

adjective

syn·​ap·​tic sə-ˈnap-tik How to pronounce synaptic (audio)
1
: of or relating to a synapsis
2
: of or relating to a synapse
synaptically adverb

Examples of synaptic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Every algorithmic recommendation reshapes synaptic connections. Dana Suskind, Time, 27 Aug. 2025 Those influences — waves — travel around the brain 5,000 times faster than the slower signaling of synaptic spikes, and they’re being sent out all the time. Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Pathways involved in synaptic plasticity, circadian rhythm, and fatty acid metabolism were disrupted. New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025 The model revealed two mechanisms at work — synaptic depression and scaling, both of which regulate the strength of neuron connections during sleep. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synaptic

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synapsis

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synaptic was in 1895

Cite this Entry

“Synaptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synaptic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

synaptic

adjective
syn·​ap·​tic
si-ˈnap-tik, British also sī-
1
: of, relating to, or participating in synapsis
synaptic chromosomes
2
: of or relating to a synapse
synaptic transmission
synaptically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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