synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
1
a
: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
b
: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound
c
: the combining of often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole
also : the complex so formed
2
a
: deductive reasoning
b
: the dialectic combination of thesis and antithesis into a higher stage of truth
3
: the frequent and systematic use of inflected forms as a characteristic device of a language
synthesist noun

Examples of synthesis in a Sentence

a philosophy that is a kind of synthesis of several schools of Western and Eastern thought
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.
Together with other partner proteins, TOR controls how cells respond to nutrients, stress and environmental signals, thereby influencing major processes such as protein synthesis and immune function. Ted Powers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025 Analysis of the evidence, synthesis of that analysis. Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 Anderson is a rare and rangy breed of cinematic maximalist—a satirical quasi-historian and pop-cultural magpie with a gift for weaving disparate influences into a marvellously unruly synthesis. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 The Chinese firm will integrate Nvidia’s Physical AI tools into its cloud platform, enabling capabilities such as data synthesis, model training, simulation, and validation testing for robotics, autonomous driving, and connected environments. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synthesis

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from syntithenai to put together, from syn- + tithenai to put, place — more at do

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of synthesis was in 1589

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Synthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthesis. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

synthesis

noun
syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses -thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
1
: the combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
especially : the production of a substance by union of chemically simpler substances
2
a
: the combining of often very different ideas into an ordered whole
b
: the product so formed

Medical Definition

synthesis

noun
syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses -ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
1
: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
2
: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound
protein synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on synthesis

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