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

He is best known for his work on sensory substitution, time perception, brain plasticity, synesthesia, and neurolaw. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026

Four-beat line to open, leaning blue, and—synesthesia—right at the jump. — Literary Hub, 5 June 2026

Mainly Mozart began collaborating with Anderson, who has autism and synesthesia, through the organization’s partnership with another nonprofit, The Art of Autism. — Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

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