Definition of naturenext
1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it was the grotesque nature of his stories that made them a challenge to get published in mainstream magazines her nature was such that lying was never an option for her the stoic nature of that family enables them to endure one calamity after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation needed to get out of the office and back to nature in order to clear his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common group together anything round: buttons, lids, coins, and other things of that nature

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed the belief that all of nature is controlled by an unseen Supreme Being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nature distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of nature are character, description, kind, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to nature?

Although the words character and nature have much in common, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of nature?

The synonyms description and nature are sometimes interchangeable, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When can kind be used instead of nature?

In some situations, the words kind and nature are roughly equivalent. However, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would sort be a good substitute for nature?

While the synonyms sort and nature are close in meaning, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of nature?

The words type and nature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nature This led to many exasperating discussions of the nature/nurture theories of my education. Gilda Dangot-Simpkin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 Kubusheski, the First Academy teacher, said the data brings out her competitive nature but also highlights what’s important in her classroom. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 Designated as its own Historic Landmark District, architectural heritage is as alive here as nature. Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026 But this unassuming nature is why people root for him. Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
Noun
  • This flirty option sports a plunging V-neck framed by puff sleeves, plus an oversized self-tie bow that adjusts the waist.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • Physicists know that small units of all sorts can self-organize into large, complicated structures from simple interactions — a phenomenon known broadly as emergence.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • From tracking down a missing student in the wilderness of British Columbia to extracting a murder confession from a surfer in Tofino, Shade and Angie prove life on the West Coast is packed with heart-pounding thrills.
    Peter White, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Held from July 23-26 on the Blackfeet Reservation and boasting a lineup including Neurosis, 16 Horsepower, and Enslaved, the intent behind Fire in the Mountains is something deeper and more noble than inviting a flock of metalheads to the pristine Montana wilderness.
    David Harris, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • See more paraphernalia of other kinds!
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Aged for at least 10 months in order to develop a complex flavor profile, this goat cheese is firmer than the softer, often spreadable forms of the fresh kind.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Every one of those cases, there's an indictment and then eventually there is a trial or some sort of disposition.
    NBC news, NBC news, 3 May 2026
  • The report and final disposition memos were released by the Sheriff’s Office this week.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In his first Inaugural Address, on March 4, 1861, with seven states having already seceded from the Union, Lincoln proclaimed the essence of secession to be anarchy.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The parks commissioner, the infamous Henry Stern, loved the version of the plan which, in essence, extended the Park’s south end entrance.
    Lucius Riccio, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • This universe has no bigger or more important personality.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • Rounding out the 2023 film's cast were Busy Philipps, Jenna Fischer and Jon Hamm, who were new to the Mean Girls universe.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • An area rug can completely change how a room feels—adding warmth, softness, and personality from the very first step.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026
  • Not a big personality pushing a vision.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Teams have also reportedly questioned his temperament — something that became part of his flashy on-field persona over the past couple of seasons.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Staff remembered him for his calm temperament, distinctive mane and loud roar — as well as a goofy streak, the zoo said.
    Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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