synthetic 1 of 2

adjective

sin-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce synthetic (audio)
Definition of syntheticnext
1
as in artificial
produced by humans rather than natural processes that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faux
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials synthetic fur collars boots of waterproof synthetic leather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

synthetic

2 of 2

noun

as in simulation

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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 synthetic
Adjective
The sheriff's office said that despite the measures, tiny amounts of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, can be extremely difficult to detect. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 With matcha lattes in hand, attendees walked around the synthetic turf filming content. — Max Kutner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
Each parfum has a spectral musk accord that’s a combination of safe synthetic and naturally occurring musks that create unique sensations. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 Lab tests showed that the plants without the active inceptin receptor failed to emit this volatile blend when exposed to either the synthetic In11 peptide or actual caterpillar oral secretions. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for synthetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for synthetic
  1. artificial
  2. faux
  3. simulation
  4. simulated
  5. fake
  6. dummy
  7. false
  8. imitative
Adjective
  • The expert becomes the manager of an artificial team, reviewing, redirecting, correcting, and sharpening outputs at speed.
    — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • What happens if artificial companionship becomes society’s default response to loneliness, dementia, disability, and a shortage of human care?
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • The titular protagonist of Isador Machete Cortez enjoys a bizarre history, originating in the first Spy Kids movie before taking center stage in a faux trailer created for Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s exploitation throwback, Grindhouse.
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The chrome finish and low-profile faux leather seat lend a contemporary look to any kitchen.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • Eventual champions Coventry City and runners-up Ipswich Town were tipped to finish fourth and third respectively before a ball had been kicked last August, via the running of 10,000 simulations of how the campaign would unfold.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • By combining observations of IRS 3's spectrum with simulations of how its light travels through different models of the surrounding material, researchers reconstructed the structure of the star's envelope.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulation
Adjective
  • That is important, as the show includes simulated rain showers with real water pouring down on the stage from above.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The demonstration, however, shows that a modern aero gas turbine can operate on 100 percent hydrogen through the changing conditions of a full simulated flight cycle, providing another step toward lower-carbon aviation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • The company behind a poll that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted as showing her with a double-digit lead in the mayoral race said the survey was entirely fake and part of a social experiment.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There’s much more for fans of special effects to discover, from the practical snow used whenever feasible to the geysers of fake blood used to comedic effect.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Even when a trial is available, a person may not meet its requirements, or they may be randomly assigned to receive a placebo (dummy drug).
    — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Zettle climbed out of her farm cart and unhooked the dummy bird from a branch.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of dummy
Adjective
  • Along with the WiFi jammer, deputies said they were found to be in possession of false license plates and burglary tools.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Many of these times, KFA employees allegedly filed false expense reports chalking up the charges to meals, drinks, or standard massages.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of false
Adjective
  • The word is likely imitative (onomatopoeic), echoing the sound of heavy breathing during sleep.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, whenever new tools to crank out communications have become available, somebody has flooded the zone with the fastest, most imitative material that could garner attention.
    — Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of imitative

Browse Nearby Words

synthesizing
synthetic
synthetics
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Cite this Entry

“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synthetic. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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