SYNTHETIC Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

synthetic 1 of 2

adjective

sin-ˈthe-tik

Definition of synthetic

as in artificial

produced by humans rather than natural processes that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

original

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 playground’s floor, mulch and other outdoor surfacing will also be completely replaced with synthetic turf. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026 Wool makes up a tiny percentage of fashion’s fiber basket, and in sustainability circles, it is often touted as a perfect playground for better farming practices, and a natural alternative to synthetic performance fabrics. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

There’s a soft lining for comfort, and the durable synthetic upper can take a beating. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 As a foundational capability for biological risk management, the United States needs a nationwide monitoring system that can provide early warning of emerging pathogens, whether naturally occurring or synthetic. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for synthetic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synthetic

Adjective

But other sections, like artificial language, are no longer in use.

— Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Later in the day, on the other hand, the artificial grass was hardly visible under the beach towels, and there were parents with squabbling children doing cannonballs into the pool.

— Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of artificial

Noun

The 12-month Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) supports the Army’s Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test and Threat (CPE ST3), which develops and fields technologies for military simulation, testing and training.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Although regions may use different criteria, in the simulation, all standings were determined by 1) region record; 2) head-to-head results; 3) point differential; 4) classification record; and 5) random tiebreaker.

— Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of simulation

Adjective

To rule this scenario out, the team built a lumpy ring model and ran 10 million simulated occultations.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2026
Though Thursday was the formal opening of the Virtual Health System, students like Barcroft have had the opportunity to experience simulated surgeries for several months.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of simulated

Adjective

The Scarlet Knights ran a fake punt to convert a fourth and 21 for a 44-yard gain that sparked a touchdown drive to close the gap to three points.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
The products, which sport fake USDA inspection labels, were distributed to grocery stores and restaurants across the United States.

— Julia Hawkins, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Perception set up a dummy news site and created fake social-media accounts highlighting the tournament’s amenities, which included kosher food in stadiums.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Images of an apparent dummy model of the folding phone leaked earlier this year, showing a passport-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Xiaomi 18 Fold.

— Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of dummy

Adjective

In the wake of the 2020 election, false accusations led to death threats and upended the lives of two Fulton County election workers.

— Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Election law generally requires registration in every state except North Dakota, while federal law prohibits false registration and other forms of election fraud.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

Using techniques like input-dependent computation and gating, the liquid AI design gives us substantially greater power to access the human-like cognition, albeit imitative, of the machines.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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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“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synthetic. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of synthetic

adjective

noun

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