variants
also British synthesise
synthesizes; synthesized; synthesizing
1
formal
a
: to make (something) by combining different things
She synthesized the treatment from traditional and modern philosophies of medicine.
b
: to combine (things) in order to make something new
He synthesized old and new ideas to form his theory.
2
technical
: to make (something) from simpler substances through a chemical process
Scientists synthesize new drugs.
Glands synthesize the enzymes.
Amino acid is synthesized in the body.
3
: to produce (sounds, speech, etc.) by using electronic equipment
He synthesized the drumbeat. [=he created the drumbeat by using a synthesizer]
Cite this Entry
“Synthesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/synthesize. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
